Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that prohibits firearms in more public spaces, including state or local public buildings, parks, playgrounds, and county fairgrounds in Washington.

Highlights:

• Prohibits an individual from entering the following places when they knowingly possess a weapon in Washington (Sec. 1):

• The restricted access areas of a jail;

• The restricted areas of buildings used in connection with court proceedings;

• The restricted access areas of mental health facilities;

• The restricted areas of liquor and cannabis establishments where persons under 21 are prohibited;

• The restricted access areas of commercial airports;

• Libraries;

• Zoos or aquariums;

• The premises of a transit station or transit facility;

• The premises of a neighborhood’s park facilities where children are likely to be present;

• The premises of a state or local public building; or

• The premises of county fairs and county fair facilities during the hours of operation, the fair is open to the public.

• Defines a “weapon” as any firearm, explosive, or instrument that is capable of causing death or bodily injury (Sec. 1). 

• Requires signage to be posted at common access points of a park facility’s premises to notify the public that weapons are prohibited (Sec. 1). 

• Specifies that park facilities where children are likely to be present can include, but are not limited to, the following (Sec. 1):

• Playgrounds or children’s play areas;

• Sports fields;

• Swim beaches or water play areas;

• Teen centers;

• Community centers;

• Performing arts centers;

• Skate parks; and

• Other recreational facilities likely to be used by children or youth.

• Defines a “state or local public building” as a building or part of a building owned, leased, held, or used by the government of a city, town, county, or other municipality (Sec. 1). 

• Defines a “county fair” as a fair organized to serve the interests of a single county and that is under county commissioner jurisdiction (Sec. 1). 

• Specifies that gun shows operating on county fairgrounds are exempt from the provisions of this bill (Sec. 1). 

• Specifies that the following individuals are exempt from the provisions of this bill (Sec. 1):

• Individuals with valid concealed carry permits; and

• Members of honor guards and color guards at events where military rifle honors are customarily conducted.

• Specifies a violation of these provisions as a gross misdemeanor (Sec. 1). 

Full Bill Text