SENATE BILL REPORT

                                   SHB 2310

                            AS OF FEBRUARY 19, 1992

Brief Description:  Prohibiting firearms and dangerous weapons in courtrooms.

SPONSORS: House Committee on Judiciary (originally sponsored by Representatives Franklin, Ludwig, Orr, Wang, Ferguson and Anderson)

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY

SENATE COMMITTEE ON LAW & JUSTICE

Staff:  Jon Carlson (786‑7459)

Hearing Dates: February 24, 1992

BACKGROUND:

State law prohibits possession of a firearm in a courtroom or judge's chamber while either is being used for a judicial proceeding.

The prohibition does not extend to other dangerous weapons.  Neither does it extend to possession of firearms or other dangerous weapons in the rest of a courthouse, nor in a courtroom or judge's chamber when not being used for a judicial proceeding.

SUMMARY:

It is a misdemeanor to enter or attempt to enter a judge's chamber or courtroom while in possession of a firearm or other dangerous weapon.

Exceptions are made for persons engaged in official military duties, and law enforcement and security personnel engaged in official duties.

A law enforcement officer may confiscate a weapon where there is reasonable cause to believe the weapon was possessed in violation of the act.  A court may order forfeiture of a weapon proven to be possessed in violation of the act.

Notice of the provisions of the act must be conspicuously posted at each entrance to the building, courtroom, and judge's chamber.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  none requested