OLYMPIA — A bill to increase restrictions on firearms in public places has passed in the Washington State Senate. 

Senate Bill 5098, primarily sponsored by Rep. Javier Valdez, D-Seattle, passed the Senate on March 5 with a 28-21 vote. The bill aims to implement restrictions on the possession of weapons in various public spaces throughout Washington state. The legislation is now heading to the Washington House of Representatives. 

If it becomes law, SB 5098 would prohibit the presence of weapons in locations where children are “likely to be present,” including state or local public buildings, parks, playground facilities and county fairs, according to the text of the bill. It defines a "state or local public building" as any building owned, leased or used by government entities where public employees are regularly present. It does not include transportation properties, such as ferry terminals and train depots. 

The language of the bill notes, "Weapons are prohibited on the premises of a city's, town's, county's or other municipality's neighborhood, community or regional park facilities at which children are likely to be present."  

It lists specific facilities, such as playgrounds, sports fields, water play areas, community centers and skate parks, as examples of locations falling under this prohibition. 

The legislation builds upon Senate Bill 5444, also sponsored by Valdez, which was signed into law in 2024. SB 5444 prohibits firearms in libraries, zoos, aquariums and transit centers. Valdez said in a statement that SB 5098 aims to close any loopholes in the current law and strengthen public safety.  

According to the bill summary, this legislation is a response to increased concerns regarding public safety, particularly in areas frequented by children and families. The bill is sponsored by Senators Valdez; Rebecca Saldaña, D- Seattle; Manka Dhingra, D-Seattle; Noel Frame, D-Seattle; T’wina Nobles, D-Fircrest; Tina Orwall, D-Des Moines; Jamie Pedersen, D-Seattle; Jesse Salomon, D-Shoreline; Derek Stanford, D-Bothell; Lisa Wellman, D-Mercer Island and Claire Wilson, D-Auburn. 

During the vote, 28 Democrats voted yes and two Democrats voted no, including Adrian Cortes from Battle Ground and Claudia Kauffman from Kent. All 19 Republicans in the Senate voted no.  

To enforce the restrictions, SB 5098 mandates that facilities where weapons are prohibited must post clear signage alerting the public to the weapons ban "at common public access points." This aligns with existing requirements for other restricted locations but specifies that the signage should be posted "as soon as practicable." 

The bill also stipulates that violation will be classified as a gross misdemeanor, carrying potential legal repercussions for offenders knowingly carrying weapons in designated areas. 

Committee discussions have revealed a range of opinions regarding the bill.  

Proponents argue that restricting weapon access in public spaces is a critical step toward enhancing public safety. Supporters testifying at Senate hearings, including public health officials and advocates for gun control, pointed to studies suggesting that imposing restrictions on firearms in sensitive areas leads to a reduction in gun-related violence. Numerous testimonials at hearings, including from parents and community leaders, expressed concern about the impact of gun violence on children’s safety and public spaces. 

“Gun violence remains a persistent crisis in Washington, where someone is killed by a firearm every 12 hours. It is the leading cause of death for children and teens in the state,” reads a statement from Valdez.  

Opponents of SB 5098 raised concerns regarding the implications for gun rights and personal safety. Critics of the bill argued during the hearings the legislation could unduly infringe upon the rights of law-abiding citizens to carry weapons for self-defense. Some also contend that the presence of lawful gun owners does not pose a threat and that the proposed restrictions may lead to unintended consequences, such as increased gun thefts from vehicles as gun owners may be compelled to leave firearms stored in their cars. 

“They just tried to make more gun-free zones, and pretty soon, you won't be able to carry a weapon anywhere,” Rep. Tom Dent, R-Moses Lake, said. “I don't see where they're going to make anything any better. Nothing we've done at this point has improved anything. I think it's just an attempt to make sure that nobody can have a weapon anywhere, which kind of goes against the Second Amendment.” 

Among the minority views expressed during committee hearings, some individuals emphasized that individuals with valid concealed pistol licenses are often trained in firearm use and safety. As such, they argue these individuals should not be barred from carrying weapons in public areas, especially in situations where self-defense may be necessary. 

“It concerns me that they just keep expanding places where you cannot carry,” Dent said. “The thing is, laws like this, law-abiding citizens follow them. People that are going to break the law don't. This is just going to impact law-abiding citizens and not those who are not following the law anyway.” 

The bill also includes specific exemptions. Individuals with a valid concealed pistol license are exempt from prohibitions related to firearms in public buildings, park facilities and county fairs.  Additionally, the bill clarifies that it does not apply to military personnel engaged in official duties, security personnel acting in their professional capacity, or correctional officers under certain circumstances.

Senate Bill 5098 had its first reading in the House Civil Rights and Judiciary Committee on March 7. The bill will now make its way through the House process.

Senate Bill 5098 

Restricting the possession of weapons on the premises of state or local public buildings, parks or playground facilities where children are likely to be present and county fairs and county fair facilities. 

How a bill becomes a law:  

1. A bill may be introduced in either the Senate or House of Representatives by a member.  

2. It is referred to a committee for a hearing. The committee studies the bill and may hold public hearings on it. It can then pass, reject or take no action on the bill.  

3. The Committee report on the passed bill is read in open session of the House or Senate and the bill is then referred to the Rules Committee unless otherwise ordered by the House or Senate.  

4. The Rules Committee can either place the bill on the second reading of the calendar for debate before the entire body, or take no action. 

5. At the second reading, a bill is subject to debate and amendment before being placed on the third reading calendar for final passage.  

6. After passing one chamber, the bill goes through the same procedure in the other chamber. 

7. The bill’s chamber or origin must come to an agreement on changes made to the bill by the opposite chamber.  

8. When the bill is accepted in both chambers, it is signed by the respective leaders and sent to the governor. 

9. The governor signs the bill into law or may veto all or part of it. If the governor fails to act on the bill, it may become law without a signature.  

SOURCE: WASHINGTON STATE LEGISLATURE.

    Tom Dent, R-Moses Lake, opposes Senate Bill 5098, saying the bill will just harm law-abiding citizens instead of improving gun safety in the state.