SENATE BILL REPORT

ESB 5744

BYSenators West and Talmadge

Prohibiting teaching, exhibiting or demonstrating the use of firearms in civil disorders.

Senate Committee on Judiciary

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 25, 1987

Majority Report:  Do pass.

      Signed by Senators Talmadge, Chairman; Bottiger, McCaslin, Moore.

Senate Staff:Jon Carlson (786-7459)

                  March 23, 1987

AS PASSED SENATE, MARCH 19, 1987

BACKGROUND:

Various criminal laws prohibit the use of firearms, explosives or incendiary devices or other instruments or techniques to damage property or to injure persons.  Generally, attempting or conspiring to do any of these things is also a criminal act. Concerns in this area have increased with respect to certain extremist groups that have established paramilitary training for their members.

SUMMARY:

The Legislature recognizes the dedication of the citizens of this state in preserving their rights.  The Legislature finds that actions violating these rights are repugnant to the people.

It is unlawful to train others in certain techniques or in the use of certain devices when it is known that the technique or device will be used by three or more persons as part of violent acts directed against any person, group, institution, or property.  A violation of these provisions is a Class C felony.

Persons who assemble for the purpose of receiving such training are also guilty of a Class C felony.

An exception is provided for law enforcement officers acting in the line of duty and for training with weapons in connection with lawful activities.

A select committee is created to study the activities and influence of groups in the state that advocate and teach methods of violence in furtherance of civil disorder.

The select committee is composed of two members selected from each caucus of the Senate appointed by the President and two members selected from each caucus of the House of Representatives appointed by the Speaker.  The select committee is to report its findings to the Legislature by January 15, 1988.

Fiscal Note:      none requested

Appointments by Legislature Required:     Two members selected from each caucus of the Senate appointed by the President; two members selected from each caucus of the House of Representatives appointed by the Speaker.

Senate Committee - Testified: Senator West; Brian Judy, NRA; Ted Cowan, Washington Sportsmen's Council; Paul Lawrence, ACLU; Marvin Stern, Antidefamation League of B'nai Brith; Art Egger; Virgil Gunning; Ben Hagmann