SENATE BILL REPORT

HB 2473

As Reported By Senate Committee On:

Judiciary, February 19, 2004

Title: An act relating to possession of weapons in courthouse buildings.

Brief Description: Restricting possession of weapons in courthouse buildings.

Sponsors: Representatives Clibborn, Woods, Lantz, Jarrett, Darneille, Bailey, Hunt, Lovick, Shabro, Kenney, Chase, Tom and Schual-Berke.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Judiciary: 2/18/04, 2/19/04 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY

Majority Report: Do pass.

      Signed by Senators McCaslin, Chair; Esser, Vice Chair; Brandland, Hargrove, Haugen, Kline, Roach and Thibaudeau.

Staff: Aldo Melchiori (786-7439)

Background: Weapons, including firearms, are generally prohibited in courtrooms and other court facilities. The local legislative authority either provides stationary locked boxes or designates an official to safeguard the weapons while the owner is in the restricted areas of the building. Exceptions are provided for military and security personnel while they are engaged in official duties and for law enforcement personnel.

Summary of Bill: A law enforcement officer is prohibited from possessing a weapon in a court facility if the officer is present at the facility as a party to an action involving harassment or domestic violence.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

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

Testimony For: This bill closes a loophole in the law that allows law enforcement officers to carry weapons into a courtroom even when they are off duty and a party to a pending case.

Testimony Against: None.

Testified: Representative Clibborn, prime sponsor (pro).