OLYMPIA WA – House Bill 1630, if signed by Gov. Jay Inslee now that it has passed both state chambers, would prohibit the open carry or possession of firearms and other weapons in areas used for local government meetings, school boards and election-related facilities.
Other weapons included in the bill are “nun-chu-ka sticks; throwing stars; air guns; stun guns; devices intended to injure a person with an electric shock, charge, or impulse; and weapons listed under the dangerous weapons statute,” according to the bill’s text.
Rep. Tom Dent, R-Moses Lake, said House Bill 1630 steps on the constitutional rights of Washingtonians. The Democratic-majority legislature is slowly dismantling the 2nd amendment, leaving gun owners with fewer protections.
“Look at what’s going on in Ukraine,” Dent said, “tell me why they have the right to keep and bear arms.”
Kevin Fuhr, Moses Lake Police Chief, said firearm intimidation and possession in a school zone is already illegal. HB 1630 attempts to solve something already being taken care of; limiting law-abiding gun owners’ ability to carry will not stop a criminal from offending.
https://columbiabasinherald.com/news/2022/mar/04/open-and-concealed-carry-restriction-likely-expand/