S-0631.1          _______________________________________________

                                 SENATE BILL 5108

                  _______________________________________________

State of Washington              54th Legislature             1995 Regular Session

By Senators Snyder, Winsley and Palmer

Read first time 01/11/95.  Referred to Committee on Natural Resources.

Concerning the hunter education training program.

     AN ACT Relating to hunting licenses; and amending RCW 77.32.155.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

     Sec. 1.  RCW 77.32.155 and 1993 c 85 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:

     When purchasing a hunting license, persons under the age of eighteen shall present certification of completion of a course of instruction of at least ten hours in the safe handling of firearms, safety, conservation, and sportsmanship.  ((Beginning January 1, 1995, all persons purchasing a hunting license for the first time, if born after January 1, 1972, shall present such certification.))

     The director may establish a program for training persons in the safe handling of firearms, conservation, and sportsmanship and may cooperate with the National Rifle Association, organized sportsmen's groups, or other public or private organizations.

     The director shall prescribe the type of instruction and the qualifications of the instructors.

      Upon successful completion of the course, a trainee shall receive a hunter education certificate signed by an authorized instructor.  The certificate is evidence of compliance with this section.

     The director may accept certificates from other states that persons have successfully completed firearm safety, hunter education, or similar courses as evidence of compliance with this section.

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