Schoesler bill aims to grant free access to Washington state parks

People used to be able to enjoy state parks for free.

Senate Republican Leader Mark Schoesler wants to return to that time.

The Ritzville Republican is sponsoring a bill that would eliminate the need to purchase a Discover Pass to visit a state park in a car.

The pass was meant to help fund parks after the Great Recession when the state faced a severe budget crisis.

The state is expected to bring in $850 million more than anticipated when the current budget was passed in April, plenty to offset any lost revenue from the elimination of park fees.