THE CLIMB BETTER BILL
Proposed by WICC
TAKE ACTION, LEARN MORE, AND COSPONSOR THIS BILL
What does the bill say?
This bill recognizes rock climbing in a Climbing Facility as a sport, not an amusement, that significantly contributes to the Washington State economy and is enjoyed by a large number of Washington citizens, encouraging and promoting physical fitness in our State.
The bill also recognizes that the practice of the sport of rock climbing contains inherent risks and those risks should be managed. Furthermore, it defines the duties and responsibilities of climbing facility operators and the participants in the facility.
Why is this legislation necessary?
Our proposed legislation clearly outlines responsibilities for both climbers and commercial indoor climbing gyms. This important distinction will educate the public, reduce injuries, and improve the business climate of the indoor climbing industry at the same time.
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Additionally, state agencies, such as the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries, have attempted to regulate climbing gyms as amusement rides (such as roller coasters and ferris wheels). This has happened in other US states, resulting in large financial costs to both state agencies and climbing gyms as they navigate the differences between amusement rides and climbing gyms that are built for fitness and training.
Background
WICC has been working closely with the Climbing Wall Association since late 2022 to refine the draft legislation based on similar successful efforts in Ohio and Tennessee.
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This May, Washington's Department of Labor and Industries expressed interest in working with commercial climbing facilities as they formulate a new policy on amusements. This came after they had issued and later retracted a cease and desist letter to an indoor climbing facility within WA.
OUR INDUSTRY
$34M Annually
BUSINESSES
18 SMBs
locations
25 and growing
VISITS
2M Annually
jobs
More than 750
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