FINAL BILL REPORT

                   SB 5326

                          C 200 L 97

                      Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Removing requirements relating to carrying firearms unloaded and encased in an opaque case or wrapper.

Sponsors:  Senators Hargrove, Zarelli, Loveland, Snyder, Schow, Rasmussen and Benton.

Senate Committee on Law & Justice

House Committee on Law & Justice

Background:  In 1994, the Legislature enacted a general prohibition against the open carrying of any firearm.  With numerous exceptions, no one may carry a firearm unless the firearm is unloaded and enclosed in an opaque case or secure wrapper.  Exceptions apply while on one's own property or in an area where shooting is not prohibited, while engaging in and traveling to and from activities such as hunting, trapping, camping, horseback riding, firearms' training, target practice, and firearms' competition.  In addition, there are exceptions for persons who are licensed to carry concealed pistols, unloaded firearms secured in place in a vehicle, and carrying firearms to and from vehicles for the purpose of repair.

Certain other individuals are expressly exempt from the requirement that a firearm be carried in an opaque case or secure wrapper.  These include:  law enforcement personnel; military personnel while on duty; persons engaged in the business of manufacturing, repairing, or dealing in firearms while in the course of business; members of target shooting clubs or collectors clubs while shooting or exhibiting firearms or while en route to or from their practice or exhibition places; and licensed private security guards or private detectives, while en route to or on duty.

A city, town, or county may enact an ordinance exempting itself from this "case and carry" rule.

Summary:  The general requirement that a firearm be carried unloaded and in an opaque case or secure wrapper is repealed. 

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate 26 23

House     62 35

Effective:  July 27, 1997