SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6239

As of January 22, 2002

Title:  An act relating to possession of firearms on the state capitol campus.

Brief Description:  Restricting possession of firearms on the state capitol campus.

Sponsors:  Senators Fairley, Gardner, Jacobsen, Kline and Spanel.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Judiciary:  1/22/02.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY

Staff:  Dick Armstrong (786‑7460)

Background:  Weapons are prohibited in restricted areas of court facilities, jails, public health facilities, and in places classified as off limits to persons under 21 years of age by the State Liquor Control Board.  A weapon is defined as any firearm, explosive, instrument, or weapon listed in another statute, e.g., slung shot, sand club, metal knuckles, and various types of knives.

The local judicial authority designates and clearly marks areas in court facilities where weapons are prohibited, and posts notices at each entrance to the court facility that weapons are prohibited in the restricted areas.

The local legislative authority provides either a locked box (sufficient in size for short firearms) and key within the building, or designates an official within the court facility to receive weapons for safekeeping, during the owner's visit to restricted areas of the court facility.  The local legislative authority is liable for the loss of or damage to a weapon stored in a locked box or left with a designated official.

In addition, there is a prohibition on the possession of firearms and weapons on public or private school premises, subject to certain conditions and exceptions.  A city, town, or county may also enact local ordinances restricting the possession of firearms in any stadium or convention center operated by such public entity.

At the present time, the Washington Administrative Code provides that no person shall carry any firearm or dangerous weapon on the state capitol grounds or in any building on the state capitol grounds.

Summary of Bill:  It is unlawful for any person to enter a building on the state capitol campus when the person knowingly possesses a firearm.

The State Patrol must provide either a locked box and key within the building, or must designate an official to receive weapons for safekeeping, during the owner's visit to the building.  The State Patrol is liable for the loss of or damage to a weapon stored in a locked box or left with a designated official.

A person who possesses a weapon in a restricted area is guilty of a gross misdemeanor.

State capitol campus is defined.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Requested on January 22, 2002.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.