SSB 5202

Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research	BILL ANALYSIS

Judiciary Committee

SSB 5202

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Title: An act relating to permissible weaponry for on-duty law enforcement officers.

Brief Description: Concerning permissible weaponry for on-duty law enforcement officers.

Sponsors: Senate Committee on Judiciary (originally sponsored by Senators Delvin, Eide, Hewitt, Brandland, Pridemore, Holmquist, McCaslin, Haugen, Jacobsen, Honeyford, Rasmussen and Roach).

Brief Summary of Substitute Bill

Police officers are exempted from the prohibition against possessing a spring blade knife if the possession is while the officer is on official duty or is transporting the knife to and from storage.

Hearing Date: 3/28/07

Staff: Bill Perry (786-7123).

Background:

There is a general prohibition against manufacturing, selling or possessing certain weapons, including:

slung shots;
sand clubs;
metal knuckles;
spring blade knives;
knives with blades that are automatically released by a spring or other mechanism; or
knives with blades that open by the force of gravity or by a downward or outward movement of the knife.

It is a gross misdemeanor to violate this prohibition.

Summary of Bill:

The prohibition against manufacturing, selling or possessing weapons does not apply to a law enforcement officer who carries a spring blade knife in the discharge of official duties.

A law enforcement officer may not be prosecuted for possession of a spring blade knife when transporting the knife to and from its place of storage.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.