SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 5108

               As Passed Senate, March 11, 1995

Title:  An act relating to hunting licenses.

Brief Description:  Concerning the hunter education training program.

Sponsors:  Senators Snyder, Winsley and Palmer.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Natural Resources:  2/10/95, 2/28/95 [DP].

Passed Senate, 3/11/95, 44-1.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES

Majority Report:  Do pass.

  Signed by Senators Drew, Chair; Spanel, Vice Chair; A. Anderson, Hargrove, Haugen, Oke, Owen, Snyder and Swecker.

Staff:  Ross Antipa (786-7413)

Background:  Hunter education requirements were changed in January 1, 1995, to require all persons born after January 1, 1972, to present a hunter safety certification in order to purchase a hunting license.

There is concern that many persons who were born after January 1, 1972, who intend to purchase a hunting license, are not aware of, or cannot comply with, the new requirement to present a hunter safety certificate in order to purchase a hunting license.

Summary of Bill:  Hunter education requirements for persons over 18 years old are repealed.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For:  Many first time hunters born after January 1, 1972 have not retained their hunter safety certification and would not be able to qualify to purchase a hunting license.

Testimony Against:  Hunter safety certification should be required to all hunters born after January 1, 1972.

Testified:  Glenn Ryan, WA Hunter Education Instructor Association; Milton Gudgell; Dave Brittell, Department of Fish and Wildlife.