New gun restrictions advance out of WA state House. Here’s what the proposed law would do
Washington House members voted Monday to pass legislation that would prohibit firearms and other weapons in spaces such as election-related offices and school board meetings.
Additionally, open carry of firearms would no longer be allowed at government buildings used for public meetings, or at any locations where those meetings take place.
Those who violate the law could expect a gross misdemeanor charge, which carries a penalty of up to 364 days in jail and/or up to $5,000 in fines.
The measure was passed after a long floor debate among house members with a 57-41 vote.
Rep. Tana Senn, D-Mercer Island, introduced the bill. During public testimony for the legislation on Jan. 12, Senn said that as a legislator and former city council member she has experienced and heard her “fair share of disturbing stories” of intimidation.
“No one, not an elected official, a staff member, nor a resident, nor a student should feel intimidated or endangered by going to a public meeting and participating in our democracy,” Senn told the House Civil Rights and Judiciary Committee.
During floor debates on Monday, Rep. April Berg, D-Mill Creek, said that her county auditor brought the issue of protecting election workers to her as debates over the last few years have grown more heated.
“Where democracy is, guns do not need to be,” Berg told other House legislators.
A report released by the National League of Cities showed that 81% of surveyed elected local officials have experienced some form of harassment, violence or threats.
Many Republican politicians argued during the floor debate that the law appears to be unconstitutional.
Additionally, Rep. Bob McCaslin, R-Spokane Valley, urged a no-vote on the legislation and said that he fears the legislation will “create criminality where there isn’t any presently.”
“Remember, people who seek to do harm won’t obey this bill as written–in most cases they’re going to obtain weapons illegally and do harm,” McCaslin argued. “So if this bill becomes law, it is going to keep people who could legally defend others and themselves in these areas from doing so.”
Some elected officials like Rep. Jenny Graham, a Republican from Spokane, even argued that the bill is a “woman’s issue” because they would no longer be able to protect themselves at the buildings or facilities where Washington Democrats want to ban weapons from being allowed.
House Bill 1630 will now head for the Senate. An emergency clause in the bill would make the bill effective as soon as the legislation is signed into law by the governor.
Current Washington State law prohibits firearms at places such as jails, schools, courthouses and bars.
Last year Sen. Patty Kuderer, D-Bellevue, introduced and was able to pass legislation that banned open-carrying weapons within 250 feet of the Washington State Capitol grounds and at public rallies or demonstrations.
Federal law already prohibits weapons in federal facilities, such as post offices and the federal Capitol building.
Enacted by Congress in 1990, The Gun-Free School Zones Act prohibits weapons within 1,000 feet of a school zone. But, the federal law does not apply to those who have a concealed carry permit issued by their state.
Several other states such as Illinois, North Dakota, and Virginia have passed state laws to prohibit both open and concealed carry of weapons in government-owned buildings.
This story was originally published February 14, 2022 at 4:30 PM.
