PLB Legislation introduced in the Washington House

Cross-post from Cascade Climbers: Thank you Doug!

The bill concerns any winter backcountry users above timberline.

HB 2619

For those interested, the CC thread contains some extra scuttlebutt.


Bill text follows:
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HOUSE BILL 2619
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State of Washington 61st Legislature 2010 Regular Session
By Representatives Liias, Roberts, Moeller, Simpson, McCoy, Jacks,Williams, Goodman, and Appleton
Prefiled 01/08/10. Read first time 01/11/10. Referred to Committee on Public Safety & Emergency Preparedness.

AN ACT Relating to electronic signaling devices; and adding a new chapter to Title 70 RCW.

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

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. (1) A person who engages in mountain
climbing during the months of November, December, January, February, and March shall use an electronic signaling device when climbing a mountain at a point above the timberline.

(2) A person who guides for compensation an organized group that includes children under eighteen years of age on any mountain above the timberline shall carry an altimeter, an electronic signaling device, a contour map of the area, and a compass.

(3) As used in this section, an electronic signaling device includes emergency locator transmitters (ELTs), emergency position indicating radio beacons (EPIRBs), and personal locator beacons (PLBs).

NEW SECTION. Sec. 2. Section 1 of this act constitutes a new chapter in Title 70 RCW.
--- END ---

I find it interesting, but not surprising, that there is a reported connection between the Bills' sponsor and a local manufacturer of EPIRBS. If the Bill proceeds in the House, it is not difficult to anticipate how the discussion goes, and in any event, logical arguemnts can be made on each side of the issue but I fall into the camp that believes State supported logic does not trump personal responsibility and remain continuously amazed that Olympia never seems to understand why they get no respect.

Holy Smokes...
Lets see here.
Above timberline seems to be an arbitrary location in this state.
It seems the focus is on the volcanoes for the most part, although there is substantial terrain in Washington above treeline that is not a volcano.

Historically, how many searches are done above tree line from Nov-March? Seems like they have it backwards, that the prime climbing season would be the focus where less experienced climbers are involved. It's amazing that us mountain folk were ever able to survive without the use of a PLB.

I do not agree with this bill. It smells like a political businessperson chumming up with political constituents trying to make a dollar. Who's lives are we trying to save here? I just don't think we need more seatbelt laws in the backcountry!
Where are the dollars coming from to implement/enforce this law?

Heck, I could be the one lost or hurt in the woods someday. That is a choice. I need to make a decision before I leave the door. How prepared was I for that unfortunate event to survive?

Lifted from Cascade Climbers.com

"it seems this HB is sponsored by Rep. Marko Liias of Snohomish Co. (find him and more info on this on Facebook). It apparently introduced by a constituent and possible political ally Kevin Stoltz, the Mukilteo City Council VP who happens to own a startup company that (gasp)provides satellite based emergency locator beacons to individuals engaged in activities in the wilderness. He sells and rents them."

Also:
www.plbrentals.com/

I can't believe it; right in my own backyard!! >  What a farce!

For the record - I'm soo against this, but are avy beacons considered "electronic singling divices"?

If you agree feel free to cut and paste and send to your legislators.
My feeling is it is a red herring set up to appease a political favor that needed to be addressed. It's the world of politics.

Letter sent to Senator and Representatives:

I am strongly against the bill proposed to require electronic signaling devices in certain conditions,

To be frank, It smells like a political businessperson chumming up with political constituents trying to make a dollar.
Who's lives are we trying to save here? I just don't think we need more seatbelt laws in the backcountry!
Where are the dollars coming from to implement/enforce this law?

It's hard to believe that with all that is happening with our budget that I even need to write this letter to denounce this proposal. Presently we have more pressing issues with many more jobs and lives at stake to debate in our new session than trying to promote the requirement of Personal Location Beacons (PLB) for a few folks.

Historically, how many searches are done above tree line in our state from Nov-March? Seems like they have it backwards, that the prime climbing season would be the focus where less experienced climbers are involved.
Above timberline seems to be an arbitrary location in this state.
It seems the focus is on the volcanoes for the most part, although there is substantial terrain in Washington above treeline that is not a volcano that can be arbitrarily viewed as "Above Treeline".
Furthermore, It's worth noting that many mountain rescue and SAR organizations around the country are opposed to the mandatory PLB laws. Lots of false-calls which could put rescuers in harm's way unnecessarily.

It seem like the issue should be addressed first by the National Parks and USFS, then if there is such a need to bring it forward at a state by state level.

Heck, I could be the one lost or hurt in the woods someday. That is a choice. I need to make a decision before I leave the door. How prepared was I for that unfortunate event to survive?

I think this whole debate needs to be framed on personal responsibility. And yeah, Joe -- the months they're proposing are far and away the lightest from a SAR activity standpoint.

It's worth noting that many mountain rescue and SAR organizations around the country are opposed to the mandatory PLB laws. Lots of false-calls which could put rescuers in harm's way unnecessarily.