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:

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.