Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research	BILL ANALYSIS
Judiciary

HB 1485

Title:  An act relating to school safety.

Brief Description:  Improving school safety.

Sponsors:  Representatives Carrell, Lovick, Benson and Boldt.

Brief Summary of Bill

$Makes it a class C felony for a student to take a firearm to school.

$Requires the prosecutor to issue findings on a decision not to charge a violation of the prohibition against taking firearms to school.

$Expressly allows school districts to employ armed school security officers.

Hearing Date:  2/6/01

Staff:  Bill Perry (786‑7123).

Background: 

With a number of exceptions, it is a gross misdemeanor for a person to bring a dangerous weapon, including a firearm, or any one of several other devices onto the premises or buses of a public or private school.  A violation of this provision with respect to a firearm has other consequences as well.  For instance, an offender is ineligible for a concealed pistol license for three years.  Offenders under the age of 21 but over the age of 11 are subject to detention for up to 72 hours, unless released sooner by a court after an evaluation by a mental health professional.

Summary of Bill: 

A violation of the prohibition against possessing a firearm on school premises or a school bus is made a class C felony when committed by a student.

Whenever a prosecutor decides not to charge a violation of the ban of firearms at school, the prosecutor must issue written findings supporting the decision.

A local school board may employ security officers.  If the security officers are to be armed, the district must enter into an agreement with a local law enforcement agency.  The agency must maintain a registry of the district=s security officers.  The agency must also recommend training and qualifications for the officers and must provide for the secure storage of any firearms to be used by the officers.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not Requested.

Effective Date:  The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.