OREGON HOUSE REPUBLICANS

SENATE PASSES REP. HUFFMAN’S BILL TO INCREASE

SAFETY ON OREGON’S RIVERS

Life Jacket Bill Now Moves to Governor’s Desk

SALEM—The Senate today overwhelmingly passed a bill sponsored by Rep. John Huffman (R-The Dalles) to increase safety on Oregon’s rivers. HB 2079, requiring boat operators and passengers to wear whitewater-approved life jackets on waters rated class III or higher, now moves to the Governor’s Desk.

Rep. Huffman said he introduced the bill on behalf of law enforcement officials who’ve responded to countless emergencies on whitewater rapids because operators and passengers were not wearing life jackets.

“This bill will save lives and educate the public on the dangers of Oregon’s whitewater rapids,” Rep. Huffman said. “HB 2079, once signed by the Governor, will make life jacket requirements the same for guided and non-guided boats, on rivers with Class III and above-rated whitewaters. It is strongly supported by law enforcement officers who, too often, are forced to respond to preventable fatalities.”

Sen. Ted Ferrioli (R-John Day), who carried HB 2079 on the Senate Floor today, read an e-mail from Wasco County Marine Deputy Roger Pearce, who for 20 years has recovered the bodies of drowning victims on Deschutes River rapids who were not wearing life jackets. Sen. Ferrioli said the bill will save lives, save taxpayer dollars, and bolster law enforcement efforts on Oregon waters.

“HB 2079 will save money that would otherwise be spent on recovery efforts by local communities,” Sen. Ferrioli said. “In addition, the bill will reduce the psychological toll on Oregon’s search and rescue personnel.”

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