Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee

HB 1116

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.

Brief Description: Requiring visible clothing while recreating in a mixed-use area during hunting season.

Sponsors: Representatives Blake, Pearson and Warnick.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Requires all individuals recreating on public lands where hunting is allowed to wear specific orange clothing during any time that big game hunting is allowed on the land.

  • Requires all public lands where multiple recreational uses are allowed to be posted with trailhead signage notifying users of the orange clothing requirements.

Hearing Date: 1/22/09

Staff: Jason Callahan (786-7117)

Background:

An individual engaged in hunting during modern firearm seasons is required to wear fluorescent hunter orange clothing [WAC 232-12-055]. Satisfaction of this requirement means that the hunter must have a minimum of 400 square inches of florescent orange exterior clothing visible from all sides and worn above the waist.

Failure to comply with the orange clothing requirements may result in a natural resources infraction. A natural resource infraction is a civil penalty available 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 [chapter 7.84 RCW].

Summary of Bill:

All individuals recreating on public lands where hunting is allowed must wear specific orange clothing during any time that big game hunting is allowed on the land. The clothing required of the recreating person is called "hiker orange," and is defined as a minimum of 400 square inches of florescent orange exterior clothing visible from all sides and worn above the waist. Failure to abide by the hiker orange clothing requirement is punishable as a natural resources infraction.

All public lands where multiple recreational uses are allowed must be posted with trailhead signage notifying users of the orange clothing requirements. The signs must be posted during all times when big game hunting is permissible on the land. The Department of Fish and Wildlife must work with other landowners and land managers to develop uniform signage and to provide hunting season information.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.