Committee backs tweaks to outdoor recreation accounts to fund Every Kid Outdoors

Representative Kyle introduced HB 375 (first substitute) on Feb. 17 before the House Economic Development and Workforce Services Committee, saying the bill clarifies two similarly named outdoor recreation accounts and expands eligible uses of one account to include the Every Kid Outdoors initiative.

"We were renaming one of them ... and then we're also expanding the use of the funds in one of the accounts to include the Every Kid Outdoors initiative," Representative Kyle said. Division of Outdoor Recreation Director Jason Curry told the committee the change will reduce confusion and allow staff to charge a small amount of time to the adventure fund to support program delivery and project management.

Curry said the Every Kid Outdoors program has delivered outdoor experiences to “2,800 plus individuals,” and that the division anticipates increased project‑management workload after signing a co‑management agreement with the Forest Service. He also noted existing statutory restraints on administrative charges: "You'll notice on line number 80 line 82, it says not to exceed 2% on that administrative staff."

Representative Shallenberger pressed presenters on the risk of administrative growth as the division expanded; Curry said the office is “watchful and cautious” and uses seasonal and part‑time staffing where possible.

After brief discussion and no public comment, Representative Shallenberger moved a favorable recommendation for HB 375 (substitute). The committee voted to favorably recommend the bill by a 7–1 roll call, with Representative Hansen recorded as voting no. The bill now advances to the full House for further consideration.

The committee record shows the change is primarily technical (account renaming and clarified uses) with the practical effect of allowing restricted funds to support the Every Kid Outdoors initiative and modest administrative costs.