Washington: Gun-Free Zone Bill Passes Senate

On Wednesday, March 5th, Senate Bill 5098 was passed on the Senate floor by a vote of 28-21. It will now be transmitted to the House for consideration.

Senate Bill 5098 prohibits the possession of firearms in parks, government buildings, and locations where “children are likely to be present.” While the legislation was amended to exempt concealed pistol license holders, the vague language could be interpreted and applied to interfere with hunting and recreational shooting opportunities. This overbroad language is indicative of the disdain anti-gun legislators have for law-abiding citizens and their desire to turn the entire state of Washington into a "gun-free" zone. 

Anti-gun Democrats voted down common sense amendments, including a requirement that the Department of Commerce publish a list of locations where firearms are banned under the bill and providing for an affirmative defense for otherwise lawfully carrying firearms where “gun free zone” signage is not posted, as required under the bill. 

Please stay tuned to the NRA-ILA website and your inbox for updates as this legislative session progresses.