Committee hears bill to allow assistance for anglers with intellectual or developmental disabilities

The Agriculture, Land Use, Natural Resources, and Water Committee opened a public hearing Jan. 29 on House Bill 2163, which would amend the definition of "disabled" under Oregon's wildlife laws to include an intellectual or developmental disability that prevents a person from holding or operating angling or shellfish-harvesting equipment. Ken Loffink, chief operating officer for the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, told the committee the department is neutral on the bill and could accommodate the change within existing resources.

The bill targets recreational angling and shellfish harvesting only; it does not address big-game hunting. Under current statute, Oregon Revised Statute 496.18 defines eligibility for the state's hunting and fishing disabilities permit around physical conditions such as cardiac conditions, lung capacity, mobility and visual acuity. Loffink said the permit is free but not a substitute for required licenses; it allows accommodations such as assisted digging for razor clams or having someone help operate gear.

Supporters told the committee that the measure resolves a narrow but meaningful access issue. James Frazier, Oregon policy director at Trout Unlimited, said the bill "removes existing barriers to fishing and shellfish harvesting opportunities for someone that has an intellectual or developmental disability that prevents the person from holding or operating their own angling or shellfish-harvesting equipment." Christie Reese, executive director of FACT Oregon, said thousands of Oregonians with intellectual or developmental disabilities could benefit and that the change affirms their ability to participate in community recreation.

Ben Gerwitz, testifying for Disability Rights Oregon, read a statement from bill originator Brandon Adams, who described being prevented from assisting his child on the coast under the current law and urged the committee to pass the bill to ‘‘allow an individual with an intellectual or developmental disability to receive assistance if they need and desire it when fishing or harvesting shellfish." Committee members emphasized that Fish and Wildlife officers are not reportedly aggressively policing family assistance on beaches but said clarifying the law would give families security.

No formal action or vote was recorded during the public hearing. The department said implementing the statutory change would require minor administrative updates to the electronic licensing system and application form.