House approves bill removing felony enhancement for concealed items on public transit after safety debate

Representative Thurston, sponsor of HB 67, told colleagues the bill seeks to "eliminate inequities in the treatment of individuals who are carrying weapons in different situations," arguing that concealed peaceful possession should not be enhanced to a felony merely because the person is on public transit.

Several members pressed the sponsor on definitions and public-safety implications. Representative Green asked where "dangerous weapon" is defined and whether terms such as "highly flammable material or device" should be addressed; Thurston acknowledged definitional gaps and said the bill was intended to stay narrowly focused on concealed weapons while recognizing other terms may need future fixes.

Representative Nelson and Representative Moss said their concern was the captive nature of transit riders, noting that if someone brandishes or threatens on a bus passengers cannot easily leave. "If you're in a bus or a train and somebody brandishes a weapon and you feel threatened, you really can't get out," Moss said, urging caution about removing enhanced penalties in transit settings.

Sponsor Thurston replied the bill targets peaceful, concealed possession and does not remove prohibitions on brandishing, assault, menacing or other violent conduct; he argued courts and criminal statutes still address those actions. After discussion and multiple questions about scope and intent, the House passed HB 67, 59–12. The bill will be transmitted to the Senate for further consideration.

Next steps: HB 67 advances to the Senate; debate on definitional and public-safety questions was extensive and may inform committee review there.