Condotta legislation exempting law enforcement officers from hunter education training program passes House
On Monday, the Washington State House of Representatives passed a bill that would exempt certain law enforcement officers from the field firearms skills portion of any online hunter education course.
House Bill 1944, sponsored by Rep. Cary Condotta, is the result of a constituent meeting he had during the interim.
“Law enforcement officers are already required to go through extensive firearms training. It is unnecessary to require them to also go through the firearms training of the hunter education course,” said Condotta, R-Wenatchee. “Providing this exemption will also free up class space and time for other individuals who need to or are required to take the firearms skills portion of the course.”
The Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) testified in favor of the bill. The WDFW instructors said each exemption could free up 4-6 hours of class time, and provide openings for others looking to get into the education course.
Military officers are already exempt from the requirement.
The bill passed unanimously 98-0. It now goes to the Senate for consideration.
The Legislature is scheduled to adjourn the regular legislative session on April 23.
