Representative Byron, chairman of the Committee of the Whole, moved that the committee report House Bill 73 do pass; the motion carried and the committee recommended the bill for passage.

Representative Larson Lloyd, sponsor of House Bill 73, told the chamber the measure inserts "rock climbing" into two places in state law — references in Title 1 and Title 34 — to make explicit that rock climbing is a recreational activity with "some inherent risk." "Even though it may be implied, having it in statute helps," Larson Lloyd said, describing requests from climbers and landowners seeking clearer liability protection when access is granted.

The bill is aimed at reducing landowner hesitation to allow climbing access on private property by explicitly naming rock climbing among activities protected by the state's recreational-use and inherent-risk provisions. Larson Lloyd said the existing statutes already list activities such as mountain climbing and that climbing as a sport has evolved into a distinct activity warranting explicit mention.

Representative Washoe (remarks during discussion) raised a concern that listing specific sports could dilute the bill's current "includes but is not limited to" language and complicate future liability arguments if an activity is not named. Larson Lloyd and Representative Provenza, who said the committee plans a follow-up, both responded that the bill's intent is to highlight activities with higher risk and that lawmakers should consider a more comprehensive statutory update later.

No amendments were recorded on the floor. When the committee read the committee report, the roll indicated Ayes from Representatives Byron, Campbell, Connolly, Jarvis, Provenza, Storer, Thayer and Wharf; Representative Harshman was excused. The Committee of the Whole later voted to report the bill with a recommendation that it do pass.

With the committee recommendation entered, the bill moves forward in the House process for further consideration and potential floor action.