OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — The Washington House has approved a measure that would ban the open carry of guns and other weapons at the State Capitol grounds and at public demonstrations.
After the bill passed the Senate, its sponsor, Patty Kuderer tweeted “guns and polarized politics is a bad combination that poses a serious risk to public health and safety.”
The measure passed the House Sunday after 5 hours of debate and was opposed by Republicans including representative Jim Walsh, who said the bill “mucks up” not only the constitutional right to protect oneself with a weapon but also with the foundational right to express what one believes in.
SB5038 would prohibit people from carrying weapons, either on their person or in their vehicle, while attending a permitted demonstration at a public place or while being within 250 feet of a permitted demonstration.
The amended bill now heads back to the Senate for a final vote.
https://twitter.com/senpattykuderer/status/1365114017044307969