WSR 97-17-071

PROPOSED RULES

DEPARTMENT OF

FISH AND WILDLIFE

(Wildlife)

[Filed August 18, 1997, 4:40 p.m.]

Original Notice.

Preproposal statement of inquiry was filed as WSR 97-09-086.

Title of Rule: WAC 232-12-227 Hunter education training program requirements.

Purpose: Clarifying language is required to ensure uniform implementation of regulation.

Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 77.12.040.

Statute Being Implemented: RCW 77.32.155.

Summary: The amendment clarifies the existing administrative regulation by (1) specifying training requirements for an initial hunting license purchase, (2) accepting any previous year's hunting license, and (3) eliminating the requirement for a hunter education certificate number on a previous year's hunting license.

Reasons Supporting Proposal: Hunter education training is required only for first-time license buyers born after January 1, 1972. Clarifying language will help eliminate questions and confusion at the time of license purchase.

Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting and Implementation: Sandi Snell, Assistant Director, Outreach and Education, Olympia, (360) 902-2229; and Enforcement: Ron Swatfigure, Assistant Director, Enforcement, Olympia, (360) 902-2932.

Name of Proponent: Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission, governmental.

Rule is not necessitated by federal law, federal or state court decision.

Explanation of Rule, its Purpose, and Anticipated Effects: The amendment simplifies and clarifies license purchase requirements for Washington state hunters.

Proposal Changes the Following Existing Rules: To amend WAC 232-12-227 Hunter education training program requirements, simplifies and clarifies the intent of the regulation.

No small business economic impact statement has been prepared under chapter 19.85 RCW. This rule does not affect small business.

Section 201, chapter 403, Laws of 1995, does not apply to this rule adoption.

Hearing Location: Best Western Ellensburg Inn, 1700 Canyon Road, Ellensburg, WA, on October 3, 1997, at 8:00 a.m.

Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact Debbie Nelson by September 19, 1997, TDD (360) 902-2207, or (360) 902-2267.

Submit Written Comments to: Mik Mikitik, Hunter Education, Department of Fish and Wildlife, 600 Capitol Way North, Olympia, WA 98501-1091, FAX (360) 586-1662, by September 30, 1997.

Date of Intended Adoption: October 3, 1997.

August 15, 1997

Sandi Snell

Assistant Director

Outreach and Education

AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending Order 94-146, filed 1/4/95, effective 1/4/95 WAC 232-12-227 Hunter education training program requirements. (1) The director may designate a state coordinator for the purpose of administering the hunter education program. The state coordinator shall be responsible for the certification of volunteer instructors and the development of instructional materials, training aids, operating policies and procedures necessary to comply with the provisions of this section and RCW 77.32.155.

(2) It is unlawful for any person born after January 1, 1972, to obtain an initial hunting license in the state of Washington without having completed a department-approved course involving at least ten hours of instruction in conservation, safety and sportsmanship.

(3) Upon satisfactory completion of these requirements, each student shall be issued a certificate of accreditation signed by an authorized instructor or the state coordinator.

(4) It is unlawful for a license dealer to issue a hunting license for a person born after January 1, 1972, unless a hunter education certificate or a Washington hunting license for ((the)) a preceding year ((containing the hunter education certificate number)) issued to said person is presented at the time of purchase.