SENATE BILL REPORT
SSB 5202
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in
their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a
statement of legislative intent.
As Amended by House, April 4, 2007
Title: An act relating to permissible weaponry for on-duty law enforcement officers.
Brief Description: Concerning permissible weaponry for on-duty law enforcement officers.
Sponsors: Senate Committee on Judiciary (originally sponsored by Senators Delvin, Eide, Hewitt, Brandland, Pridemore, Holmquist, McCaslin, Haugen, Jacobsen, Honeyford, Rasmussen and Roach).
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Judiciary: 2/13/07 [DPS].
Passed Senate: 3/06/07, 47-0.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY
Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5202 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.Signed by Senators Kline, Chair; Tom, Vice Chair; McCaslin, Ranking Minority Member; Carrell and Weinstein.
Staff: Lidia Mori (786-7755)
Background: It is a gross misdemeanor for any person to manufacture, sell, dispose, or possess a spring blade knife. Generally, a spring blade knife is a knife that has a spring-operated blade that opens instantly when a release on the handle is pressed.
Summary of Substitute Bill: A law enforcement officer who carries a spring blade knife in the
discharge of official duty is exempt from current law that prohibits possession of a spring blade
knife.
Law enforcement officers may not be prosecuted for possession of a spring blade knife when the
officer is transporting the knife to and from the location where it is stored, when the officer is not
on official duty.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: Law enforcement officers often wear thick protective gloves and, if they need to cut something quickly, it is necessary to have a spring-loaded knife. This bill conforms the law to what is already the practice. A similar exemption as is contained in this bill exists in 12 other states. A spring blade knife allows an officer to cut something with one hand free, and it's also a last ditch self-defense tool.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Phil Watkins, City of Kennewick; Bill Hanson, Fraternal Order of Police.
House Amendment(s): It is clarified that the exception to the prohibition on possessing certain weapons applies only to an officer's possession of a spring blade knife, not to possession of other types of prohibited weapons.