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Bill to add small surcharge to paid state‑park parking to reimburse host towns advances
Summary
Rep. Bridle proposed a 5% 'search charge' on paid state‑park parking to send proceeds to host municipalities for public‑safety costs tied to visitation. Sponsor said the fee is minimal per visitor but stabilizing for towns; committee approved OTP after discussion of event exemptions and implementation mechanics.
Representative Bridle introduced HB1751 to create a modest 5% surcharge on paid state park parking that would be remitted to the host municipality for designated public‑safety uses (police, fire, EMS) tied to park visitation. She said the fee would be collected through existing parking infrastructure, would not apply to free parking or admissions, and would be returned quarterly to the host town for restricted uses.
The sponsor said the intent is shared responsibility: visitors who drive the increased need for local emergency responses should help defray those costs rather than leaving them solely to local taxpayers. Committee members asked questions about special events, weddings and contract parking; the sponsor said contracted event parking could incorporate the charge in the contract and that free/permit parking would not be charged.
The committee moved the bill OTP in session that same day. No detailed fiscal numbers were developed in the hearing record beyond the department’s ability to implement collection through existing systems.
Ending: Committee voted to advance HB1751 (OTP) with the expectation of further drafting and a fiscal review if needed.
