SENATE BILL REPORT

                                   SHB 2537

                            AS OF FEBRUARY 19, 1992

Brief Description:  Prohibiting dangerous weapons on elementary and secondary school premises.

SPONSORS: House Committee on Judiciary (originally sponsored by Representatives Pruitt, Brough, Peery, Betrozoff, D. Sommers, Jacobsen, Wineberry, Paris, Franklin, Ebersole, Van Luven, Bowman, Orr, May, Scott, Broback, J. Kohl, Wood, Wynne, Roland, Mitchell, O'Brien, Hine, Rasmussen, P. Johnson and Anderson)

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY

SENATE COMMITTEE ON LAW & JUSTICE

Staff:  Jon Carlson (786‑7459)

Hearing Dates: February 24, 1992

BACKGROUND:

Several school districts in the state have reported incidents of parents, youths who are not students, and other persons entering school property with weapons.

Current state law prohibits only elementary or secondary students under the age of 21 from carrying firearms or other dangerous weapons onto public or private school premises.

Exemptions exist for students of private military academies, students in government-sponsored military activities, students attending a convention or authorized firearms safety course in which firearms are handled or displayed, students who possess weapons to be used in martial arts classes on school premises, or students participating in an approved firearms or air gun competition.

Violation of the statute is a gross misdemeanor and grounds for expulsion.

SUMMARY:

The prohibition against carrying firearms or other dangerous weapons onto school premises is extended to all persons.

The current exemptions granted to students are broadened to all persons as well, except for the exemption for students of private military academies, which is extended only to employees.

The requirement that military activities be sponsored by the federal or state government is deleted.

The exemption for attendance at a convention or approved firearms safety course is changed to involvement in a convention, showing, demonstration, lecture, or approved firearms safety course.

Exemptions for law enforcement and security activities are added.  In addition, an exemption is added for any person legally in possession of a firearm or other dangerous weapon that is secured within an attended vehicle or concealed from view within a locked, unattended vehicle.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  available