FINAL BILL REPORT

SSB 6389

C 116 L 04

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description: Prohibiting weapons in restricted access areas of commercial service airports.

Sponsors: Senate Committee on Judiciary (originally sponsored by Senators Brandland, Haugen, Esser, Rasmussen, Kline, Murray and Kohl-Welles).

Senate Committee on Judiciary

House Committee on Judiciary

Background: It is a gross misdemeanor for any person to enter the following places when he or she knowingly possesses a weapon: (a) restricted areas of jails or law enforcement facilities; (b) areas in public buildings used in connection with court proceedings; (c) restricted areas of public mental health facilities; or (d) that portion of an establishment classified by the state Liquor Control Board as off-limits to persons under the age of 21. It is unlawful for a person to carry a firearm onto, or to possess on, public or private elementary or secondary school premises, school-provided transportation, or areas of facilities while being used exclusively by public or private schools. This offense is also a gross misdemeanor.

Summary: It is a gross misdemeanor to enter the restricted areas of a commercial service airport, including the passenger screening checkpoints, while knowingly possessing or controlling a weapon. The areas do not include airport drives, walkways and general parking areas, as well as areas of the terminal outside the screening checkpoints that are normally open to unscreened passengers and visitors. Restricted access areas must be clearly indicated by signs indicating that firearms and other weapons are prohibited in the area.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate       48  0

House       96  0    (House amended)

Senate       49  0    (Senate concurred)

Effective: June 10, 2004