SKIING -- It has a ways to go to become law, but the Washington House this week approved a bill making it a misdemeanor to ski in clearly marked closed hazard areas at ski resorts.

Supporters argued that a criminal trespassing charge and a potential $1,000 fine would help deter behavior that causes avalanches and endanger the lives of ski patrol and search-and-rescue workers, according to the Associated Press.

But opponents say criminalizing recreational behavior is overreaching, and could result in young people unwittingly receiving blots on their permanent records.

Opponents favored a $500 fine and more harshly worded signs.

The bill applies to runs that are in-bounds at ski areas but have been intentionally marked and closed off for safety reasons.

The measure returns to the Senate for approval of amendments.