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.