Committee hears broad bill to restrict weapons at parks, public buildings and county fairs; advocates split

The Civil Rights & Judiciary Committee considered engrossed second substitute Senate Bill 5,098, a proposal to prohibit entry with weapons into specified public places — including park facilities likely to be used by children, state and local public buildings, and county fairgrounds when open to the public.

John Brzezinski, staff to the committee, said park facilities covered by the prohibition would include playgrounds, sports fields, swim beaches and teen or community centers; local governments would be required to designate and post the perimeter of restricted areas. The bill would not apply to Washington State Department of Transportation properties used primarily by the traveling public, but would require firearms in such areas to remain locked in cases or in locked portions of vehicles. Brzezinski said the bill exempts qualifying law enforcement, military personnel,…