BILL REQ. #:  H-4611.1 

READ FIRST TIME 01/27/06.   

     AN ACT Relating to providing a mechanism to encourage volunteers to teach hunter education programs in Washington; and amending RCW 77.32.155.

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

Sec. 1   RCW 77.32.155 and 1998 c 191 s 17 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) When purchasing any 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 any hunting license for the first time, if born after January 1, 1972, shall present such certification.
     (2) The director may establish a program for training persons in the safe handling of firearms, conservation, and sportsmanship and shall prescribe the type of instruction and the qualifications of the instructors. The director may cooperate with the National Rifle Association, organized sportsmen's groups, or other public or private organizations when establishing the training program.
     ((The director shall prescribe the type of instruction and the qualifications of the instructors.))
     (3) Upon the successful completion of ((the)) a course established under this section, ((a)) the trainee shall receive a hunter education certificate signed by an authorized instructor. The certificate is evidence of compliance with this section.
     (4) 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.
     (5) To encourage the participation of an adequate number of instructors for the training program, the commission shall develop nonmonetary incentives available to individuals who commit to serving as an instructor. The incentives may include additional hunting opportunities for instructors.