Rep. Fishbein Asks Environment Committee to “Think Pink”

State Representative Craig Fishbein (R-90) today testified before the Environment Committee in strong support of his proposal to allow hunters and outdoor enthusiasts to wear “blaze pink” clothing as an optional safety color.

H.B. 5102 – An Act Authorizing the Use of Pink Blaze Clothing For Hunting – would expand current state law to also allow the option for pink blaze clothing to be worn by hunters. Current state law mandates hunters wear at least 400 square inches of fluorescent orange above the waist and visible from all sides to increase safety. Orange is considered easily visible to the human eye but difficult for some animal species, like deer, to see.

Studies have shown that the color pink has similar qualities and can further enhance safety during the fall when leaves are changing color.

“This legislation is not about expanding fashion choices or marketing toward certain demographics of outdoor enthusiasts, it is about enhancing safety and eliminating hunting accidents,” Rep. Fishbein said. “Similar to highway workers who wear orange or fluorescent green to increase visibility, allowing people the option to choose orange or pink blaze, or both, will increase the safety of hunters, hikers, cyclists and equestrians regardless of the time of year or changing natural environment.”

This legislation is similar in concept to proposals that have already become law in Illinois, Wisconsin, New York and Minnesota.

The 2020 legislative “short session” ends at midnight on Wednesday, May 6^th.