SB 5098, establishing a ban on weapons in public places that passed the Senate in early March, has advanced out of a House policy committee.

The bill is quickly making its way through the Legislature to prohibit firearms, knives, and other weapons in areas where children are likely to be present, including parks, fairgrounds, and designated state and local public buildings. It was amended to exclude firing ranges certified by the Washington State Patrol.

The bill includes a requirement for local governments to post signage about the weapons prohibition at common public entrance points – which, notably, comes with some signage-creation costs for cities and parks. It moves next to the House Appropriations Committee, where it’s been scheduled for a public hearing on April 4.

Dates to remember

SB 5098 is scheduled for a public hearing in the House Appropriations Committee on Friday, April 4, at 1:30 pm.

Bill to restrict weapons in public buildings and parks moving quickly through Legislature

March 17, 2025

SB 5098 a committee hearing in the House this week after passing the Senate in early March.

The bill is quickly making its way through the Legislature to address safety concerns in areas where children are likely to be present.

Dates to remember

SB 5098 is scheduled for a public hearing in the House Civil Rights & Judiciary Committee on Tuesday, March 18, at 10:30 am.

Firearms ban in public buildings, parks passes Senate, moves to House

March 1, 2025

SB 5098, to bar carrying firearms and other weapons from public buildings, parks, and county fairs, passed the Senate 28-21 on March 5 and will move to the House.

The bill, intended to improve safety in areas where children are likely to be, would require signage to be posted as soon as practicable at common entrance points to alert the public about the weapons prohibition. It expands the list of places in RCW 9.41.300 where weapons are already banned. The bill requires cities to designate the park facilities within its boundaries where children are likely to be present. Such facilities include, but are not limited to, playgrounds or children's play areas, sports fields, swim beaches or water play areas, teen centers, community centers or performing arts centers, skate parks, and other recreational facilities likely to be used by children or youth.

A floor amendment adopted as the bill passed the Senate exempts military and veterans’ color guards for permitted events.

Bill proposes restricting weapons in public buildings and parks

January 13, 2025

A new bill restricts weapons in new places and impacts signage in public buildings and parks.

SB 5098, sponsored by Sen. Javier Valdez (D–Seattle), is a bill proposing to restrict the possession of weapons at state or local public buildings, parks or playground facilities where children are likely to be present, and county fairs and county fair facilities.

The bill requires facilities where weapons are prohibited to post signage at common public access points that alert the public about the weapons prohibitions.

We are seeking feedback from cities and parks departments about the potential cost and logistical impacts of adding such signage.

The bill has a public hearing in committee on January 14 and is scheduled for executive session on January 16.

Dates to remember

SB 5098 is scheduled for a public hearing in the Senate Law & Justice Committee on January 14 at 8 am.