FINAL BILL REPORT
ESSB 5148
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
C 58 L 19
Synopsis as Enacted
Brief Description: Concerning visible clothing requirements for hunting.
Sponsors: Senate Committee on Agriculture, Water, Natural Resources & Parks (originally sponsored by Senators Wilson, L., Becker, Fortunato, Palumbo, Short, Takko, Wagoner and Warnick).
Senate Committee on Agriculture, Water, Natural Resources & Parks
House Committee on Rural Development, Agriculture, & Natural Resources
Background: Currently, a minimum of 400 square inches of fluorescent hunter orange exterior clothing is required by rule, under certain conditions, when a person is hunting. Fluorescent orange must be worn above the waist and be visible from all sides. These conditions include:
Anyone hunting deer or elk during any modern firearm deer or elk general season is required to wear fluorescent hunter orange clothing. All modern firearm permit holders must wear fluorescent hunter orange clothing. This includes archers and muzzleloaders while hunting in game management units that overlap modern firearm seasons.
Anyone hunting in an area that is open for modern firearm deer or elk hunting must meet hunter orange requirements if they are hunting bear, bobcat, cougar, coyote, deer, elk, fox, grouse, hare, rabbit, or raccoon.
During any upland game bird season, anyone hunting upland game birds or rabbits with a modern firearm is required to wear fluorescent hunter orange.
Failure to comply with the fluorescent orange clothing requirements may result in a natural resources infraction. A natural resources infraction is a civil penalty for violations of certain statutes relating to natural resources. The exact monetary penalty for a natural resource infraction is set by the Supreme Court; however, the Legislature has limited the fine to no less than $10 and no more than $500.
Summary: The Fish and Wildlife Commission must adopt rules determining that while a person is hunting, they are required to wear either fluorescent orange or fluorescent pink clothing, or both. The rules must allow a person hunting to wear either fluorescent orange or fluorescent pink clothing, or both, in order to meet a visible clothing requirement when hunting.
Votes on Final Passage:
Senate | 48 | 0 | |
House | 92 | 0 |
Effective: | July 28, 2019 |