Yesterday, the Senate overwhelmingly passed a bill sponsored by Rep. John Huffman (R-The Dalles) to increase safety on Oregon’s rivers. HB 2079 requires boat operators and passengers to wear whitewater-approved life jackets on waters rated class III or higher. It 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.
The bill is expected to save lives and taxpayer dollars.
