BILL REQ. #:  H-1723.1 

READ FIRST TIME 02/24/05.   

     AN ACT Relating to hunting safety for children; and amending RCW 9.41.042 and 77.32.155.

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

Sec. 1   RCW 9.41.042 and 2003 c 53 s 27 are each amended to read as follows:
     RCW 9.41.040(2)(a)(iii) shall not apply to any person under the age of eighteen years who is:
     (1) In attendance at a ((hunter's safety)) hunter education course or a firearms safety course;
     (2) Engaging in practice in the use of a firearm or target shooting at an established range authorized by the governing body of the jurisdiction in which such range is located or any other area where the discharge of a firearm is not prohibited;
     (3) Engaging in an organized competition involving the use of a firearm, or participating in or practicing for a performance by an organized group that uses firearms as a part of the performance;
     (4) Hunting or trapping under a valid license issued to the person under Title 77 RCW, and if the person is under fourteen years of age the person must be under the immediate supervision of a parent, guardian, or other adult approved for the purpose by the parent or guardian. "Immediate supervision" means within unassisted hearing distance;
     (5) In an area where the discharge of a firearm is permitted, is not trespassing, and the person either: (a) Is at least fourteen years of age, has been issued a hunter ((safety)) education certificate, and is using a lawful firearm other than a pistol; or (b) is under the supervision of a parent, guardian, or other adult approved for the purpose by the parent or guardian;
     (6) Traveling with any unloaded firearm in the person's possession to or from any activity described in subsection (1), (2), (3), (4), or (5) of this section;
     (7) On real property under the control of his or her parent, other relative, or legal guardian and who has the permission of the parent or legal guardian to possess a firearm;
     (8) At his or her residence and who, with the permission of his or her parent or legal guardian, possesses a firearm for the purpose of exercising the rights specified in RCW 9A.16.020(3); or
     (9) Is a member of the armed forces of the United States, national guard, or organized reserves, when on duty.

Sec. 2   RCW 77.32.155 and 1998 c 191 s 17 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1)(a) When purchasing any hunting license, persons under the age of eighteen shall present certification of completion of a hunter education 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 any hunting license for the first time, if born after January 1, 1972, shall present such certification.
     (b) The director shall prescribe the type of instruction and the qualifications of the instructors.
     (c) Enrollment priority in a hunter education course must be given to participants above ten years of age.
     (2) 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.))
     (3)(a) Upon successful completion of the hunter education course, a trainee shall receive a hunter education certificate signed by an authorized instructor. The certificate is evidence of compliance with this section.
     (b) The director may accept certificates from other states that persons have successfully completed ((firearm safety,)) a hunter education course, or similar courses as evidence of compliance with this section.