S-3458.1  _______________________________________________

                         SENATE BILL 6225

          _______________________________________________

State of Washington      55th Legislature     1998 Regular Session

By Senators Bauer and Oke

Read first time 01/14/98.  Referred to Committee on Natural Resources & Parks.

Requiring adult supervision of minors under fourteen in possession of firearms while hunting or trapping.

    AN ACT Relating to possession of firearms by minors; and amending RCW 9.41.042.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

    Sec. 1.  RCW 9.41.042 and 1994 sp.s. c 7 s 403 are each amended to read as follows:

    RCW 9.41.040(1)(((e))) (b)(iii) shall not apply to any person under the age of eighteen years who is:

    (1) In attendance at a hunter's safety course or a firearms safety course;

    (2) Engaging in practice in the use of a firearm or target shooting at an established range authorized by the governing body of the jurisdiction in which such range is located or any other area where the discharge of a firearm is not prohibited;

    (3) Engaging in an organized competition involving the use of a firearm, or participating in or practicing for a performance by an organized group that uses firearms as a part of the performance;

    (4) ((Hunting or trapping under a valid license issued to the person under Title 77 RCW;

    (5))) In an area where the discharge of a firearm is permitted, is not trespassing, and the person either:  (a) Is at least fourteen years of age, has been issued a hunter safety certificate, and is using a lawful firearm other than a pistol; or (b) is under the supervision of a parent, guardian, or other adult approved for the purpose by the parent or guardian;

    (((6))) (5) Traveling with any unloaded firearm in the person's possession to or from any activity described in subsection (1), (2), (3), or (4)((, or (5))) of this section;

    (((7))) (6) On real property under the control of his or her parent, other relative, or legal guardian and who has the permission of the parent or legal guardian to possess a firearm;

    (((8))) (7) At his or her residence and who, with the permission of his or her parent or legal guardian, possesses a firearm for the purpose of exercising the rights specified in RCW 9A.16.020(3); or

    (((9))) (8) Is a member of the armed forces of the United States, national guard, or organized reserves, when on duty.

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