title: RCW 9.41.225

text:
(1) It is unlawful for a person, in the commission or furtherance of a felony other than a violation of RCW 9.41.190, to discharge a machine gun or to menace or threaten with a machine gun, another person.
(2) It is unlawful for a person, in the commission or furtherance of a felony other than a violation of RCW 9.41.190, to discharge a firearm containing a bump-fire stock or to menace or threaten another person with a firearm containing a bump-fire stock.
(3) A violation of this section shall be punished as a class A felony under chapter 9A.20 RCW.
[ 2018 c 7 s 5; 1989 c 231 s 3.]
Notes:
Effective dates—2018 c 7: See note following RCW 9.41.010.
Intent—1989 c 231: "The legislature is concerned about the increasing number of drug dealers, gang members, and other dangerous criminals who are increasingly being found in possession of machine guns. The legislature recognizes that possession of machine guns by dangerous criminals represents a serious threat to law enforcement officers and the general public. The use of a machine gun in furtherance of a felony is a particularly heinous crime because of the potential for great harm or death to a large number of people. It is the intent of the legislature to protect the public safety by deterring the illegal use of machine guns in the furtherance of a felony by creating a separate offense with severe penalties for such use of a machine gun." [ 1989 c 231 s 1.]

catchline: Use of machine gun or bump-fire stock in felony—Penalty.


doc_type: statute

jurisdiction: wa

title: RCW 9.41.230

text:
(1) For conduct not amounting to a violation of chapter 9A.36 RCW, any person who:
(a) Aims any firearm, whether loaded or not, at or towards any human being;
(b) Willfully discharges any firearm, air gun, or other weapon, or throws any deadly missile in a public place, or in any place where any person might be endangered thereby. A public place shall not include any location at which firearms are authorized to be lawfully discharged; or
(c) Except as provided in RCW 9.41.185, sets a so-called trap, spring pistol, rifle, or other dangerous weapon,
although no injury results, is guilty of a gross misdemeanor punishable under chapter 9A.20 RCW.
(2) If an injury results from a violation of subsection (1) of this section, the person violating subsection (1) of this section shall be subject to the applicable provisions of chapters 9A.32 and 9A.36 RCW.
[ 1994 sp.s. c 7 s 422; 1909 c 249 s 307; 1888 p 100 ss 2, 3; RRS s 2559.]
Notes:
Finding—Intent—Severability—1994 sp.s. c 7: See notes following RCW 43.70.540.
Effective date—1994 sp.s. c 7 ss 401-410, 413-416, 418-437, and 439-460: See note following RCW 9.41.010.
Discharging firearm at railroad rolling stock: RCW 81.60.070.

license: public-domain-government-work

rule_set: Revised Code of Washington

catchline: Aiming or discharging firearms, dangerous weapons.

code: rcw

unit: section

court: Washington State Legislature


title: RCW 9.41.240

text:
(1) A person under twenty-one years of age may not purchase a pistol or semiautomatic assault rifle, and except as otherwise provided in this chapter, no person may sell or transfer a semiautomatic assault rifle to a person under twenty-one years of age.
(2) Unless an exception under RCW 9.41.042, 9.41.050, or 9.41.060 applies, a person at least eighteen years of age, but less than twenty-one years of age, may possess a pistol only:
(a) In the person's place of abode;
(b) At the person's fixed place of business; or
(c) On real property under his or her control.
(3) Except in the places and situations identified in RCW 9.41.042 (1) through (9) and 9.41.060 (1) through (10), a person at least eighteen years of age, but less than twenty-one years of age, may possess a semiautomatic assault rifle only:
(a) In the person's place of abode;
(b) At the person's fixed place of business;
(c) On real property under his or her control; or
(d) For the specific purpose of (i) moving to a new place of abode; (ii) traveling between the person's place of abode and real property under his or her control; or (iii) selling or transferring the firearm in accordance with the requirements of this chapter; provided that in all of these situations the semiautomatic assault rifle is unloaded and either in secure gun storage or secured with a trigger lock or similar device that is designed to prevent the unauthorized use or discharge of the firearm.
[ 2019 c 3 s 13 (Initiative Measure No. 1639, approved November 6, 2018); 1994 sp.s. c 7 s 423; 1971 c 34 s 1; 1909 c 249 s 308; 1883 p 67 s 1; RRS s 2560.]
Notes:
Finding—Short title—Effective dates—Implementation—2019 c 3 (Initiative Measure No. 1639): See notes following RCW 9.41.360.
Finding—Intent—Severability—1994 sp.s. c 7: See notes following RCW 43.70.540.
Effective date—1994 sp.s. c 7 ss 401-410, 413-416, 418-437, and 439-460: See note following RCW 9.41.010.

catchline: Possession of pistol or semiautomatic assault rifle by person from eighteen to twenty-one.


title: RCW 9.41.250

text:
(1) Every person who:
(a) Manufactures, sells, or disposes of or possesses any instrument or weapon of the kind usually known as slungshot, sand club, or metal knuckles, or spring blade knife;
(b) Furtively carries with intent to conceal any dagger, dirk, pistol, or other dangerous weapon; or
(c) Uses any contrivance or device for suppressing the noise of any firearm unless the suppressor is legally registered and possessed in accordance with federal law,
is guilty of a gross misdemeanor punishable under chapter 9A.20 RCW.
(2) "Spring blade knife" means any knife, including a prototype, model, or other sample, with a blade that is automatically released by a spring mechanism or other mechanical device, or any knife having a blade which opens, or falls, or is ejected into position by the force of gravity, or by an outward, downward, or centrifugal thrust or movement. A knife that contains a spring, detent, or other mechanism designed to create a bias toward closure of the blade and that requires physical exertion applied to the blade by hand, wrist, or arm to overcome the bias toward closure to assist in opening the knife is not a spring blade knife.
[ 2012 c 179 s 1; 2011 c 13 s 1; 2007 c 379 s 1; 1994 sp.s. c 7 s 424; 1959 c 143 s 1; 1957 c 93 s 1; 1909 c 249 s 265; 1886 p 81 s 1; Code 1881 s 929; RRS s 2517.]
Notes:
Finding—Intent—Severability—1994 sp.s. c 7: See notes following RCW 43.70.540.
Effective date—1994 sp.s. c 7 ss 401-410, 413-416, 418-437, and 439-460: See note following RCW 9.41.010.

catchline: Dangerous weapons—Penalty.


title: RCW 9.41.251

text:
(1) RCW 9.41.250 does not apply to:
(a) The possession or use of a spring blade knife by a general authority law enforcement officer, firefighter or rescue member, Washington state patrol officer, or military member, while the officer or member:
(i) Is on official duty; or
(ii) Is transporting a spring blade knife to or from the place where the knife is stored when the officer or member is not on official duty; or
(iii) Is storing a spring blade knife;
(b) The manufacture, sale, transportation, transfer, distribution, or possession of spring blade knives pursuant to contract with a general authority law enforcement agency, fire or rescue agency, Washington state patrol, or military service, or pursuant to a contract with another manufacturer or a commercial distributor of knives for use, sale, or other disposition by the manufacturer or commercial distributor;
(c) The manufacture, transportation, transfer, distribution, or possession of spring blade knives, with or without compensation and with or without a contract, solely for trial, test, or other provisional use for evaluation and assessment purposes, by a general authority law enforcement agency, fire or rescue agency, Washington state patrol, military service, or a manufacturer or commercial distributor of knives.
(2) For the purposes of this section:
(a) "Military member" means an active member of the United States military or naval forces, or a Washington national guard member called to active duty or during training.
(b) "General law enforcement agency" means any agency, department, or division of a municipal corporation, political subdivision, or other unit of local government of this state or any other state, and any agency, department, or division of any state government, having as its primary function the detection and apprehension of persons committing infractions or violating the traffic or criminal laws in general.
(c) "General law enforcement officer" means any person who is commissioned and employed by an employer on a full-time, fully compensated basis to enforce the criminal laws of the state of Washington generally. No person who is serving in a position that is basically clerical or secretarial in nature, or who is not commissioned shall be considered a law enforcement officer.
(d) "Fire or rescue agency" means any agency, department, or division of a municipal corporation, political subdivision, or other unit of local government of this state or any other state, and any agency, department, or division of any state government, having as its primary function the prevention, control, or extinguishment of fire or provision of emergency medical services or rescue actions for persons.
(e) "Firefighter or rescue member" means any person who is serving on a full-time, fully compensated basis as a member of a fire or rescue agency to prevent, control, or extinguish fire or provide emergency medical services or rescue actions for persons. No person who is serving in a position that is basically clerical or secretarial in nature shall be considered a firefighter or rescue member.
(f) "Military service" means the active, reserve, or national guard components of the United States military, including the army, navy, air force, marines, and coast guard.
[ 2012 c 179 s 2.]

catchline: Dangerous weapons—Application of restrictions to law enforcement, firefighting, rescue, and military personnel.


title: RCW 9.41.260

text:
Every proprietor, lessee, or occupant of any place of amusement, or any plat of ground or building, who allows it to be used for the exhibition of skill in throwing any sharp instrument or in shooting any bow gun or firearm of any description, at or toward any human being, is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable under chapter 9A.20 RCW.
[ 1994 sp.s. c 7 s 425; 1909 c 249 s 283; RRS s 2535.]
Notes:
Finding—Intent—Severability—1994 sp.s. c 7: See notes following RCW 43.70.540.
Effective date—1994 sp.s. c 7 ss 401-410, 413-416, 418-437, and 439-460: See note following RCW 9.41.010.
Fireworks: Chapter 70.77 RCW.

catchline: Dangerous exhibitions.


title: RCW 9.41.270

text:
(1) It shall be unlawful for any person to carry, exhibit, display, or draw any firearm, dagger, sword, knife or other cutting or stabbing instrument, club, or any other weapon apparently capable of producing bodily harm, in a manner, under circumstances, and at a time and place that either manifests an intent to intimidate another or that warrants alarm for the safety of other persons.
(2) Any person violating the provisions of subsection (1) above shall be guilty of a gross misdemeanor. If any person is convicted of a violation of subsection (1) of this section, the person shall lose his or her concealed pistol license, if any. The court shall send notice of the revocation to the department of licensing, and the city, town, or county which issued the license.
(3) Subsection (1) of this section shall not apply to or affect the following:
(a) Any act committed by a person while in his or her place of abode or fixed place of business;
(b) Any person who by virtue of his or her office or public employment is vested by law with a duty to preserve public safety, maintain public order, or to make arrests for offenses, while in the performance of such duty;
(c) Any person acting for the purpose of protecting himself or herself against the use of presently threatened unlawful force by another, or for the purpose of protecting another against the use of such unlawful force by a third person;
(d) Any person making or assisting in making a lawful arrest for the commission of a felony; or
(e) Any person engaged in military activities sponsored by the federal or state governments.
[ 1994 sp.s. c 7 s 426; 1969 c 8 s 1.]
Notes:
Finding—Intent—Severability—1994 sp.s. c 7: See notes following RCW 43.70.540.
Effective date—1994 sp.s. c 7 ss 401-410, 413-416, 418-437, and 439-460: See note following RCW 9.41.010.
PDF
RCW 9.41.270
Weapons apparently capable of producing bodily harm—Unlawful carrying or handling—Penalty—Exceptions. (Effective May 1, 2027.)
(1) It shall be unlawful for any person to carry, exhibit, display, or draw any firearm, dagger, sword, knife or other cutting or stabbing instrument, club, or any other weapon apparently capable of producing bodily harm, in a manner, under circumstances, and at a time and place that either manifests an intent to intimidate another or that warrants alarm for the safety of other persons.
(2) Any person violating the provisions of subsection (1) above shall be guilty of a gross misdemeanor. If any person is convicted of a violation of subsection (1) of this section, the person shall lose the person's concealed pistol license and permit to purchase firearms, if any. The court shall send notice of the required revocation of any concealed pistol license to the department of licensing, and the city, town, or county which issued the license, and notice of the required revocation of any permit to purchase firearms to the Washington state patrol firearms background check program.
(3) Subsection (1) of this section shall not apply to or affect the following:
(a) Any act committed by a person while in the person's place of abode or fixed place of business;
(b) Any person who by virtue of the person's office or public employment is vested by law with a duty to preserve public safety, maintain public order, or to make arrests for offenses, while in the performance of such duty;
(c) Any person acting for the purpose of protecting himself or herself against the use of presently threatened unlawful force by another, or for the purpose of protecting another against the use of such unlawful force by a third person;
(d) Any person making or assisting in making a lawful arrest for the commission of a felony; or
(e) Any person engaged in military activities sponsored by the federal or state governments.
[ 2025 c 370 s 15; 1994 sp.s. c 7 s 426; 1969 c 8 s 1.]
Notes:
Effective date—2025 c 370: See note following RCW 9.41.090.
Finding—Intent—Severability—1994 sp.s. c 7: See notes following RCW 43.70.540.
Effective date—1994 sp.s. c 7 ss 401-410, 413-416, 418-437, and 439-460: See note following RCW 9.41.010.

catchline: Weapons apparently capable of producing bodily harm—Unlawful carrying or handling—Penalty—Exceptions. (Effective until May 1, 2027.)


title: RCW 9.41.280

text:
(1) It is unlawful for a person to knowingly carry onto, or to possess on, public or private elementary or secondary school premises, school-provided transportation, areas of facilities while being used exclusively by public or private schools, or areas of facilities while being used for official meetings of a school district board of directors:
(a) Any firearm;
(b) Any other dangerous weapon as defined in RCW 9.41.250;
(c) Any device commonly known as "nun-chu-ka [nunchaku] sticks," consisting of two or more lengths of wood, metal, plastic, or similar substance connected with wire, rope, or other means;
(d) Any device, commonly known as "throwing stars," which are multipointed, metal objects designed to embed upon impact from any aspect;
(e) Any air gun, including any air pistol or air rifle, designed to propel a BB, pellet, or other projectile by the discharge of compressed air, carbon dioxide, or other gas; or
(f)(i) Any portable device manufactured to function as a weapon and which is commonly known as a stun gun, including a projectile stun gun which projects wired probes that are attached to the device that emit an electrical charge designed to administer to a person or an animal an electric shock, charge, or impulse; or
(ii) Any device, object, or instrument which is used or intended to be used as a weapon with the intent to injure a person by an electric shock, charge, or impulse.
(2)(a) Any such person violating subsection (1) of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor.
(b) Second and subsequent violations of subsection (1) of this section are a gross misdemeanor.
(c) If any person is convicted of a violation of subsection (1)(a) of this section, the person shall have his or her concealed pistol license, if any revoked for a period of three years. Anyone convicted under this subsection is prohibited from applying for a concealed pistol license for a period of three years. The court shall send notice of the revocation to the department of licensing, and the city, town, or county which issued the license.
Any violation of subsection (1) of this section by elementary or secondary school students constitutes grounds for expulsion from the state's public schools in accordance with RCW 28A.600.010. An appropriate school authority shall promptly notify law enforcement and the student's parent or guardian regarding any allegation or indication of such violation.
Upon the arrest of a person at least twelve years of age and not more than twenty-one years of age for violating subsection (1)(a) of this section, the person shall be detained or confined in a juvenile or adult facility for up to seventy-two hours. The person shall not be released within the seventy-two hours until after the person has been examined and evaluated by the designated crisis responder unless the court in its discretion releases the person sooner after a determination regarding probable cause or on probation bond or bail.
Within twenty-four hours of the arrest, the arresting law enforcement agency shall refer the person to the designated crisis responder for examination and evaluation under chapter 71.05 or 71.34 RCW and inform a parent or guardian of the person of the arrest, detention, and examination. The designated crisis responder shall examine and evaluate the person subject to the provisions of chapter 71.05 or 71.34 RCW. The examination shall occur at the facility in which the person is detained or confined. If the person has been released on probation, bond, or bail, the examination shall occur wherever is appropriate.
Upon completion of any examination by the designated crisis responder, the results of the examination shall be sent to the court, and the court shall consider those results in making any determination about the person.
The designated crisis responder shall, to the extent permitted by law, notify a parent or guardian of the person that an examination and evaluation has taken place and the results of the examination. Nothing in this subsection prohibits the delivery of additional, appropriate mental health examinations to the person while the person is detained or confined.
If the designated crisis responder determines it is appropriate, the designated crisis responder may refer the person to the local behavioral health administrative services organization for follow-up services or other community providers for other services to the family and individual.
(3) Subsection (1) of this section does not apply to:
(a) Any student or employee of a private military academy when on the property of the academy;
(b) Any person engaged in military, law enforcement, or school district security activities. However, a person who is not a commissioned law enforcement officer and who provides school security services under the direction of a school administrator may not possess a device listed in subsection (1)(f) of this section unless he or she has successfully completed training in the use of such devices that is equivalent to the training received by commissioned law enforcement officers;
(c) Any person who is involved in a convention, showing, demonstration, lecture, or firearms safety course authorized by school authorities in which the firearms of collectors or instructors are handled or displayed;
(d) Any person while the person is participating in a firearms or air gun competition approved by the school or school district;
(e) Any person in possession of a pistol who has been issued a license under RCW 9.41.070, or is exempt from the licensing requirement by RCW 9.41.060, while:
(i) Picking up or dropping off a student; or
(ii) Attending official meetings of a school district board of directors held off school district-owned or leased property;
(f) Any nonstudent at least eighteen years of age legally in possession of a firearm or dangerous weapon that is secured within an attended vehicle or concealed from view within a locked unattended vehicle while conducting legitimate business at the school;
(g) Any nonstudent at least eighteen years of age who is in lawful possession of an unloaded firearm, secured in a vehicle while conducting legitimate business at the school; or
(h) Any law enforcement officer of the federal, state, or local government agency.
(4) Subsections (1)(c) and (d) of this section do not apply to any person who possesses nun-chu-ka [nunchaku] sticks, throwing stars, or other dangerous weapons to be used in martial arts classes authorized to be conducted on the school premises.
(5) Subsection (1)(f)(i) of this section does not apply to any person who possesses a device listed in subsection (1)(f)(i) of this section, if the device is possessed and used solely for the purpose approved by a school for use in a school authorized event, lecture, or activity conducted on the school premises.
(6) Except as provided in subsection (3)(b), (c), (f), and (h) of this section, firearms are not permitted in a public or private school building.
(7) "GUN-FREE ZONE" signs shall be posted around school facilities giving warning of the prohibition of the possession of firearms on school grounds.
(8) A school district board of directors must post signs providing notice of the restrictions on possession of firearms and other weapons under this section at facilities being used for official meetings of the school district board of directors.
[ 2023 c 470 s 3004; 2022 c 106 s 1; 2019 c 325 s 5001; 2016 sp.s. c 29 s 403; 2014 c 225 s 56; 2009 c 453 s 1; 1999 c 167 s 1; 1996 c 295 s 13; 1995 c 87 s 1; 1994 sp.s. c 7 s 427; 1993 c 347 s 1; 1989 c 219 s 1; 1982 1st ex.s. c 47 s 4.]
Notes:
Explanatory statement—2023 c 470: See note following RCW 10.99.030.
Effective date—2019 c 325: See note following RCW 71.24.011.
Effective dates—2016 sp.s. c 29: See note following RCW 71.05.760.
Short title—Right of action—2016 sp.s. c 29: See notes following RCW 71.05.010.
Effective date—2014 c 225: See note following RCW 71.24.016.
Finding—Intent—Severability—1994 sp.s. c 7: See notes following RCW 43.70.540.
Effective date—1994 sp.s. c 7 ss 401-410, 413-416, 418-437, and 439-460: See note following RCW 9.41.010.
Severability—1982 1st ex.s. c 47: See note following RCW 9.41.190.

catchline: Possessing dangerous weapons on school facilities—Penalty—Exceptions.


title: RCW 9.41.282

text:
(1) It is unlawful for a person to carry onto, or to possess on, licensed child care center premises, child care center-provided transportation, or areas of facilities while being used exclusively by a child care center:
(a) Any firearm;
(b) Any other dangerous weapon as described in RCW 9.41.250;
(c) Any air gun, including any air pistol or air rifle, designed to propel a BB, pellet, or other projectile by the discharge of compressed air, carbon dioxide, or other gas; or
(d)(i) Any portable device manufactured to function as a weapon and which is commonly known as a stun gun, including a projectile stun gun that projects wired probes that are attached to the device that emit an electrical charge designed to administer to a person or an animal an electric shock, charge, or impulse; or
(ii) Any device, object, or instrument that is used or intended to be used as a weapon with the intent to injure a person by an electric shock, charge, or impulse.
(2) A person who violates subsection (1) of this section is guilty of a gross misdemeanor. If a person is convicted of a violation of subsection (1)(a) of this section, the person shall have his or her concealed pistol license, if any, revoked for a period of three years. Anyone convicted under subsection (1)(a) of this section is prohibited from applying for a concealed pistol license for a period of three years from the date of conviction. The court shall order the person to immediately surrender any concealed pistol license, and within three business days notify the department of licensing in writing of the required revocation of any concealed pistol license held by the person. Upon receipt of the notification by the court, the department of licensing shall determine if the person has a concealed pistol license. If the person does have a concealed pistol license, the department of licensing shall immediately notify the license-issuing authority which, upon receipt of the notification, shall immediately revoke the license.
(3) Subsection (1) of this section does not apply to:
(a) Family day care provider homes as defined in RCW 43.216.010;
(b) Any person in possession of a pistol who has been issued a license under RCW 9.41.070, or is exempt from the licensing requirement by RCW 9.41.060, while picking up or dropping off a child at the child care center;
(c) Any person at least eighteen years of age legally in possession of a firearm or dangerous weapon that is secured within an attended vehicle or concealed from view within a locked unattended vehicle while conducting legitimate business at the child care center; or
(d) Any law enforcement officer of a federal, state, or local government agency.
(4) Child care centers must post "GUN-FREE ZONE" signs giving warning of the prohibition of the possession of firearms on center premises.
(5) A child care center that is located on public or private elementary or secondary school premises is subject to the requirements of RCW 9.41.280.
(6) For the purposes of this section, child care center has the same meaning as "child day care center" as defined in RCW 43.216.010.
[ 2020 c 189 s 1.]

catchline: Possessing dangerous weapons on child care premises—Penalty—Exceptions.


title: RCW 9.41.284

text:
(1) Except as provided in subsections (3) and (4) of this section, it is unlawful for a person to knowingly carry onto, or to possess in, a ballot counting center, a voting center, a student engagement hub, or the county elections and voter registration office, or areas of facilities while being used as a ballot counting center, a voting center, a student engagement hub, or the county elections and voter registration office:
(a) Any firearm;
(b) Any other dangerous weapon as described in RCW 9.41.250;
(c) Any air gun, including any air pistol or air rifle, designed to propel a BB, pellet, or other projectile by the discharge of compressed air, carbon dioxide, or other gas;
(d)(i) Any portable device manufactured to function as a weapon and which is commonly known as a stun gun, including a projectile stun gun that projects wired probes that are attached to the device that emit an electrical charge designed to administer to a person or an animal an electric shock, charge, or impulse; or
(ii) Any device, object, or instrument that is used or intended to be used as a weapon with the intent to injure a person by an electric shock, charge, or impulse; or
(e) Any spring blade knife as defined in RCW 9.41.250.
(2)(a) A person who violates subsection (1) of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor.
(b) Second and subsequent violations of this section are a gross misdemeanor.
(c) If a person is convicted of a violation of subsection (1)(a) of this section, the person shall have his or her concealed pistol license, if any, revoked for a period of three years. Anyone convicted under subsection (1)(a) of this section is prohibited from applying for a concealed pistol license for a period of three years from the date of conviction. The court shall order the person to immediately surrender any concealed pistol license, and within three business days notify the department of licensing in writing of the required revocation of any concealed pistol license held by the person. Upon receipt of the notification by the court, the department of licensing shall determine if the person has a concealed pistol license. If the person does have a concealed pistol license, the department of licensing shall immediately notify the license-issuing authority which, upon receipt of the notification, shall immediately revoke the license.
(3) Subsection (1) of this section does not apply to:
(a) Any law enforcement officer of a federal, state, or local government agency; or
(b) Any security personnel hired by a county and engaged in security specifically for a counting center, a voting center, a student engagement hub, or the county elections and voter registration office or areas of facilities used for such purposes. However, a person who is not a commissioned law enforcement officer and who provides elections and voter registration security services under the direction of a county may not possess a firearm or device listed in subsection (1)(d) of this section unless he or she has successfully completed training in the use of firearms or such devices that is equivalent to the training received by commissioned law enforcement officers.
(4) Subsection (1) of this section does not prohibit concealed carry of a pistol, by a person licensed to carry a concealed pistol pursuant to RCW 9.41.070, in any voting center, student engagement hub, county elections and voter registration office, or areas of facilities while being used as a voting center, student engagement hub, or county elections and voter registration office. However, no weapon restricted by this section, whether concealed or openly carried, may be possessed in any ballot counting center or areas of facilities while being used as a ballot counting center.
(5) Elections officers and officials must post signs providing notice of the restriction on possession of firearms and other weapons at each counting center, voting center, student engagement hub, or county elections and voter registration office, or areas of facilities while being used as a counting center, a voting center, a student engagement hub, or the county elections and voter registration office.
(6) For the purposes of this section:
(a) "Ballot counting center" has the same meaning as "counting center" in RCW 29A.04.019;
(b) "Voting center" means a voting center as described in RCW 29A.40.160; and
(c) "Student engagement hub" means a student engagement hub as described in RCW 29A.40.180.
[ 2023 c 470 s 3005; 2022 c 106 s 3.]
Notes:
Explanatory statement—2023 c 470: See note following RCW 10.99.030.

catchline: Possessing dangerous weapons at voting facilities—Penalty—Exceptions.


title: RCW 9.41.290

text:
The state of Washington hereby fully occupies and preempts the entire field of firearms regulation within the boundaries of the state, including the registration, licensing, possession, purchase, sale, acquisition, transfer, discharge, and transportation of firearms, or any other element relating to firearms or parts thereof, including ammunition and reloader components. Cities, towns, and counties or other municipalities may enact only those laws and ordinances relating to firearms that are specifically authorized by state law, as in RCW 9.41.300, and are consistent with this chapter. Such local ordinances shall have the same penalty as provided for by state law. Local laws and ordinances that are inconsistent with, more restrictive than, or exceed the requirements of state law shall not be enacted and are preempted and repealed, regardless of the nature of the code, charter, or home rule status of such city, town, county, or municipality.
[ 1994 sp.s. c 7 s 428; 1985 c 428 s 1; 1983 c 232 s 12.]
Notes:
Finding—Intent—Severability—1994 sp.s. c 7: See notes following RCW 43.70.540.
Effective date—1994 sp.s. c 7 ss 401-410, 413-416, 418-437, and 439-460: See note following RCW 9.41.010.
Severability—1985 c 428: "If any provision of this act or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the act or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances is not affected." [ 1985 c 428 s 6.]
Application—1983 c 232 s 12: "Section 12 of this act shall not apply to any offense committed prior to July 24, 1983." [ 1983 c 232 s 13.]
Severability—1983 c 232: See note following RCW 9.41.010.

catchline: State preemption.


title: RCW 9.41.300

text:
(1) It is unlawful for any person to enter the following places when he or she knowingly possesses or knowingly has under his or her control a weapon:
(a) The restricted access areas of a jail, or of a law enforcement facility, or any place used for the confinement of a person (i) arrested for, charged with, or convicted of an offense, (ii) held for extradition or as a material witness, or (iii) otherwise confined pursuant to an order of a court, except an order under chapter 13.32A or 13.34 RCW. Restricted access areas do not include common areas of egress or ingress open to the general public;
(b) Those areas in any building which are used in connection with court proceedings, including courtrooms, jury rooms, judge's chambers, offices and areas used to conduct court business, waiting areas, and corridors adjacent to areas used in connection with court proceedings. The restricted areas do not include common areas of ingress and egress to the building that is used in connection with court proceedings, when it is possible to protect court areas without restricting ingress and egress to the building. The restricted areas shall be the minimum necessary to fulfill the objective of this subsection (1)(b).
For purposes of this subsection (1)(b), "weapon" means any firearm, explosive as defined in RCW 70.74.010, or any weapon of the kind usually known as slungshot, sand club, or metal knuckles, or any knife, dagger, dirk, or other similar weapon that is capable of causing death or bodily injury and is commonly used with the intent to cause death or bodily injury.
In addition, the local legislative authority shall provide either a stationary locked box sufficient in size for pistols and key to a weapon owner for weapon storage, or shall designate an official to receive weapons for safekeeping, during the owner's visit to restricted areas of the building. The locked box or designated official shall be located within the same building used in connection with court proceedings. The local legislative authority shall be liable for any negligence causing damage to or loss of a weapon either placed in a locked box or left with an official during the owner's visit to restricted areas of the building.
The local judicial authority shall designate and clearly mark those areas where weapons are prohibited, and shall post notices at each entrance to the building of the prohibition against weapons in the restricted areas;
(c) The restricted access areas of a public mental health facility licensed or certified by the department of health for inpatient hospital care and state institutions for the care of the mentally ill, excluding those facilities solely for evaluation and treatment. Restricted access areas do not include common areas of egress and ingress open to the general public;
(d) That portion of an establishment classified by the state liquor and cannabis board as off-limits to persons under 21 years of age;
(e) The restricted access areas of a commercial service airport designated in the airport security plan approved by the federal transportation security administration, including passenger screening checkpoints at or beyond the point at which a passenger initiates the screening process. These areas do not include airport drives, general parking areas and walkways, and shops and areas of the terminal that are outside the screening checkpoints and that are normally open to unscreened passengers or visitors to the airport. Any restricted access area shall be clearly indicated by prominent signs indicating that firearms and other weapons are prohibited in the area;
(f) The premises of a library established or maintained pursuant to the authority of chapter 27.12 RCW;
(g) The premises of a zoo or aquarium accredited or certified by the association of zoos and aquariums or the zoological association of America or a facility with a current signed memorandum of participation with an association of zoos and aquariums species survival plan; or
(h) The premises of a transit station or transit facility. For purposes of this subsection, "transit station" and "transit facility" have the same meaning as defined in RCW 9.91.025. "Transit station" and "transit facility" do not include any "transit vehicle" as that term is defined in RCW 9.91.025.
(2)(a) Except as provided in (c) of this subsection, it is unlawful for any person to knowingly open carry a firearm or other weapon while knowingly at any permitted demonstration. This subsection (2)(a) applies whether the person carries the firearm or other weapon on his or her person or in a vehicle.
(b) It is unlawful for any person to knowingly open carry a firearm or other weapon while knowingly within 250 feet of the perimeter of a permitted demonstration after a duly authorized state or local law enforcement officer advises the person of the permitted demonstration and directs the person to leave until he or she no longer possesses or controls the firearm or other weapon. This subsection (2)(b) does not apply to any person possessing or controlling any firearm or other weapon on private property owned or leased by that person.
(c) Duly authorized federal, state, and local law enforcement officers and personnel are exempt from the provisions of this subsection (2) when carrying a firearm or other weapon in conformance with their employing agency's policy. Members of the armed forces of the United States or the state of Washington are exempt from the provisions of this subsection (2) when carrying a firearm or other weapon in the discharge of official duty or traveling to or from official duty.
(d) For purposes of this subsection, the following definitions apply:
(i) "Permitted demonstration" means either: (A) A gathering for which a permit has been issued by a federal agency, state agency, or local government; or (B) a gathering of 15 or more people who are assembled for a single event at a public place that has been declared as permitted by the chief executive, sheriff, or chief of police of a local government in which the gathering occurs. A "gathering" means a demonstration, march, rally, vigil, sit-in, protest, picketing, or similar public assembly.
(ii) "Public place" means any site accessible to the general public for business, entertainment, or another lawful purpose. A "public place" includes, but is not limited to, the front, immediate area, or parking lot of any store, shop, restaurant, tavern, shopping center, or other place of business; any public building, its grounds, or surrounding area; or any public parking lot, street, right-of-way, sidewalk, public park, or other public grounds.
(iii) "Weapon" has the same meaning given in subsection (1)(b) of this section.
(e) Nothing in this subsection applies to the lawful concealed carry of a firearm by a person who has a valid concealed pistol license.
(3) Cities, towns, counties, and other municipalities may enact laws and ordinances:
(a) Restricting the discharge of firearms in any portion of their respective jurisdictions where there is a reasonable likelihood that humans, domestic animals, or property will be jeopardized. Such laws and ordinances shall not abridge the right of the individual guaranteed by Article I, section 24 of the state Constitution to bear arms in defense of self or others; and
(b) Restricting the possession of firearms in any stadium or convention center, operated by a city, town, county, or other municipality, except that such restrictions shall not apply to:
(i) Any pistol in the possession of a person licensed under RCW 9.41.070 or exempt from the licensing requirement by RCW 9.41.060; or
(ii) Any showing, demonstration, or lecture involving the exhibition of firearms.
(4)(a) Cities, towns, and counties may enact ordinances restricting the areas in their respective jurisdictions in which firearms may be sold, but, except as provided in (b) of this subsection, a business selling firearms may not be treated more restrictively than other businesses located within the same zone. An ordinance requiring the cessation of business within a zone shall not have a shorter grandfather period for businesses selling firearms than for any other businesses within the zone.
(b) Cities, towns, and counties may restrict the location of a business selling firearms to not less than 500 feet from primary or secondary school grounds, if the business has a storefront, has hours during which it is open for business, and posts advertisements or signs observable to passersby that firearms are available for sale. A business selling firearms that exists as of the date a restriction is enacted under this subsection (4)(b) shall be grandfathered according to existing law.
(5) Violations of local ordinances adopted under subsection (3) of this section must have the same penalty as provided for by state law.
(6) The perimeter of the premises of any specific location covered by subsection (1) of this section shall be posted at reasonable intervals to alert the public as to the existence of any law restricting the possession of firearms on the premises.
(7) Subsection (1) of this section does not apply to:
(a) A person engaged in military activities sponsored by the federal or state governments, while engaged in official duties;
(b) Law enforcement personnel, except that subsection (1)(b) of this section does apply to a law enforcement officer who is present at a courthouse building as a party to an antiharassment protection order action or a domestic violence protection order action under chapter 7.105 or 10.99 RCW, or an action under Title 26 RCW where any party has alleged the existence of domestic violence as defined in RCW 7.105.010; or
(c) Security personnel while engaged in official duties.
(8) Subsection (1)(a), (b), (c), (e), (f), (g), and (h) of this section does not apply to correctional personnel or community corrections officers, as long as they are employed as such, who have completed government-sponsored law enforcement firearms training, except that subsection (1)(b) of this section does apply to a correctional employee or community corrections officer who is present at a courthouse building as a party to an antiharassment protection order action or a domestic violence protection order action under chapter 7.105 or 10.99 RCW, or an action under Title 26 RCW where any party has alleged the existence of domestic violence as defined in RCW 7.105.010.
(9) Subsection (1)(a) of this section does not apply to a person licensed pursuant to RCW 9.41.070 who, upon entering the place or facility, directly and promptly proceeds to the administrator of the facility or the administrator's designee and obtains written permission to possess the firearm while on the premises or checks his or her firearm. The person may reclaim the firearms upon leaving but must immediately and directly depart from the place or facility.
(10) Subsection (1)(c) of this section does not apply to any administrator or employee of the facility or to any person who, upon entering the place or facility, directly and promptly proceeds to the administrator of the facility or the administrator's designee and obtains written permission to possess the firearm while on the premises.
(11) Subsection (1)(d) of this section does not apply to the proprietor of the premises or his or her employees while engaged in their employment.
(12) Subsection (1)(g) of this section does not apply to employees of a zoo, aquarium, or animal sanctuary, while engaged in their employment if the weapon is owned by the zoo, aquarium, or animal sanctuary and maintained for the purpose of protecting its employees, animals, or the visiting public.
(13) Subsection (1)(f), (g), and (h) of this section does not apply to the activities of color guards and honor guards affiliated with the United States military, Washington state national guard, or Washington department of veterans affairs related to burial or interment ceremonies including, but not limited to, any staging and logistical requirements of the color guard or honor guard.
(14) Subsection (1)(f), (g), and (h) of this section does not apply to a person licensed to carry a concealed firearm pursuant to RCW 9.41.070.
(15) Government-sponsored law enforcement firearms training must be training that correctional personnel and community corrections officers receive as part of their job requirement and reference to such training does not constitute a mandate that it be provided by the correctional facility.
(16) Any person violating subsection (1) or (2) of this section is guilty of a gross misdemeanor.
(17) "Weapon" as used in this section means any firearm, explosive as defined in RCW 70.74.010, or instrument or weapon listed in RCW 9.41.250.
[ 2024 c 285 s 1. Prior: 2021 c 261 s 1; 2021 c 215 s 96; prior: 2018 c 201 s 9003; 2018 c 201 s 6007; 2011 c 221 s 2; 2008 c 33 s 1; prior: 2004 c 116 s 1; 2004 c 16 s 1; 1994 sp.s. c 7 s 429; 1993 c 396 s 1; 1985 c 428 s 2.]
Notes:
Effective date—2021 c 261: "This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately [May 12, 2021]." [ 2021 c 261 s 4.]
Effective date—2022 c 268; 2021 c 215: See note following RCW 7.105.900.
Findings—Intent—Effective date—2018 c 201: See notes following RCW 41.05.018.
Finding—Intent—Severability—1994 sp.s. c 7: See notes following RCW 43.70.540.
Effective date—1994 sp.s. c 7 ss 401-410, 413-416, 418-437, and 439-460: See note following RCW 9.41.010.
Severability—1985 c 428: See note following RCW 9.41.290.

catchline: Weapons prohibited in certain places—Local laws and ordinances—Exceptions—Penalty.


title: RCW 9.41.305

text:
(1) Unless exempt under subsection (3) of this section, it is unlawful for any person to knowingly open carry a firearm or other weapon, as defined in RCW 9.41.300(1)(b), while knowingly being in the following locations:
(a) The west state capitol campus grounds; any buildings on the state capitol grounds; any state legislative office; or any location of a public state legislative hearing or meeting during the hearing or meeting; or
(b) City, town, county, or other municipality buildings used in connection with meetings of the governing body of the city, town, county, or other municipality, or any location of a public meeting or hearing of the governing body of a city, town, county, or other municipality during the hearing or meeting.
(2) For the purposes of this section:
(a) "Buildings on the state capitol grounds" means the following buildings located on the state capitol grounds, commonly known as Legislative, Temple of Justice, John L. O'Brien, John A. Cherberg, Irving R. Newhouse, Joel M. Pritchard, Helen Sommers, Insurance, Governor's Mansion, Visitor Information Center, Carlyon House, Ayer House, General Administration, 1500 Jefferson, James M. Dolliver, Old Capitol, Capitol Court, State Archives, Natural Resources, Office Building #2, Highway-License, Transportation, Employment Security, Child Care Center, Union Avenue, Washington Street, Professional Arts, State Farm, and Powerhouse Buildings.
(b) "Governing body" has the same meaning as in RCW 42.30.020.
(c) "West state capitol campus grounds" means areas of the campus south of Powerhouse Rd. SW, south of Union Avenue SW as extended westward to Powerhouse Rd. SW, west of Capitol Way, north of 15th Avenue SW between Capitol Way S. and Water Street SW, west of Water Street between 15th Avenue SW and 16th Avenue SW, north of 16th Avenue SW between Water Street SW and the east banks of Capitol Lake, and east of the banks of Capitol Lake.
(3) Duly authorized federal, state, or local law enforcement officers or personnel are exempt from this section when carrying a firearm or other weapon in conformance with their employing agency's policy. Members of the armed forces of the United States or the state of Washington are exempt from this section when carrying a firearm or other weapon in the discharge of official duty or traveling to or from official duty.
(4)(a) A person violating this section is guilty of a misdemeanor.
(b) Second and subsequent violations of this section are a gross misdemeanor.
(5) Nothing in this section applies to the lawful concealed carry of a firearm by a person who has a valid concealed pistol license.
(6) A city, town, county, or other municipality must post signs providing notice of the restrictions on possession of firearms and other weapons under this section at any locations specified in subsection (1)(b) of this section.
[ 2023 c 470 s 3006; 2022 c 106 s 2; 2021 c 261 s 2.]
Notes:
Explanatory statement—2023 c 470: See note following RCW 10.99.030.
Effective date—2021 c 261: See note following RCW 9.41.300.

catchline: Open carry of weapons prohibited on state capitol grounds and municipal buildings.


title: RCW 9.41.310

text:
(1) After a public hearing, the department of fish and wildlife shall publish a pamphlet on firearms safety and the legal limits of the use of firearms. The pamphlet shall include current information on firearms laws and regulations and state preemption of local firearms laws. By July 1, 2017, the department of fish and wildlife shall update the pamphlet to incorporate information on suicide awareness and prevention as recommended by the safe homes task force established in *RCW 43.70.445.
(2) This pamphlet may be used in the department's hunter safety education program and shall be provided to the department of licensing for distribution to firearms dealers and persons authorized to issue concealed pistol licenses. The department of fish and wildlife shall reimburse the department of licensing for costs associated with distribution of the pamphlet.
[ 2016 c 90 s 4; 1994 c 264 s 2; 1988 c 36 s 4; 1985 c 428 s 5.]
Notes:
*Reviser's note: RCW 43.70.445 expired July 1, 2021.
Findings—2016 c 90: See note following RCW 43.70.442.
Severability—1985 c 428: See note following RCW 9.41.290.

catchline: Information pamphlet.


title: RCW 9.41.320

text:
Nothing in this chapter shall prohibit the possession, sale, or use of fireworks when possessed, sold, or used in compliance with chapter 70.77 RCW.
[ 1994 c 133 s 16.]
Notes:
Severability—Effective date—1994 c 133: See notes following RCW 70.77.146.

catchline: Fireworks.


title: RCW 9.41.325

text:
(1) No person may knowingly or recklessly allow, facilitate, aid, or abet the manufacture or assembly of an undetectable firearm or untraceable firearm, including by distribution of digital firearm manufacturing code, by a person who: (a) Is ineligible under state or federal law to possess a firearm; or (b) has signed a valid voluntary waiver of firearm rights that has not been revoked under RCW 9.41.350. For purposes of this provision, the failure to conduct a background check as provided in RCW 9.41.113 shall be prima facie evidence of recklessness.
(2)(a) Any person violating this section is guilty of a gross misdemeanor punishable under chapter 9A.20 RCW.
(b) If a person previously has been found guilty under this section, then the person is guilty of a class C felony punishable under chapter 9A.20 RCW for each subsequent knowing violation of this section. A person is guilty of a separate offense for each and every firearm to which this section applies.
[ 2026 c 203 s 5; 2019 c 243 s 2.]
Notes:
Findings—Intent—Effective date—2026 c 203: See notes following RCW 9.41.190.
Effective date—2019 c 243: See note following RCW 9.41.010.

catchline: Undetectable or untraceable firearms—Penalties.


title: RCW 9.41.326

text:
(1) No person may manufacture, cause to be manufactured, assemble, or cause to be assembled an untraceable firearm, including by use of a three-dimensional printer, computer numerical control milling machine, or other means.
(2) After March 10, 2023, no person may knowingly or recklessly possess, transport, or receive an untraceable firearm, unless the party possessing, transporting, or receiving the untraceable firearm is a law enforcement agency or a federal firearms importer, federal firearms manufacturer, or federal firearms dealer.
(3) No person may sell, offer to sell, transfer, or purchase an untraceable firearm.
(4) Subsections (2) and (3) of this section do not apply to any firearm that:
(a) Has been rendered permanently inoperable;
(b) Is an antique firearm, as defined in 18 U.S.C. Sec. 921(a)(16);
(c) Was manufactured before 1968; or
(d) Has been imprinted by a federal firearms dealer or other federal licensee authorized to provide marking services as provided for in RCW 9.41.328.
(5) No person may sell, transfer, distribute, or offer to sell digital firearm manufacturing code for a firearm to a person who is not a federal firearms manufacturer, or who is not a federal firearms dealer licensed for the sole purpose of repairing existing firearms.
(6) No person may possess digital firearm manufacturing code for a firearm with an intent to distribute the code unless the person receiving the code is:
(a) A federal firearms manufacturer; or
(b) A federal firearms dealer licensed for the sole purpose of repairing existing firearms.
(7) No person may possess digital firearm manufacturing code for a firearm with an intent to manufacture a firearm using a three-dimensional printer or computer numerical control milling machine unless the person is:
(a) A federal firearms manufacturer; or
(b) A federal firearms dealer licensed for the sole purpose of repairing existing firearms.
(8)(a) Any person who violates this section commits a civil infraction and shall be assessed a monetary penalty of $500.
(b) If a person previously has been found to have violated this section, then the person is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable under chapter 9A.20 RCW for each subsequent violation of this section.
(c) If a person previously has been found to have violated this section two or more times, then the person is guilty of a gross misdemeanor punishable under chapter 9A.20 RCW for each subsequent violation of this section.
(d) If a person violates this section by manufacturing, causing to be manufactured, assembling, causing to be assembled, possessing, transporting, receiving, selling, offering to sell, transferring, or purchasing three or more untraceable firearms at a time, then the person is guilty of a gross misdemeanor punishable under chapter 9A.20 RCW for each violation of this section.
(e) A person commits a separate violation of this section for each and every firearm to which this section applies.
[ 2026 c 203 s 6; 2022 c 105 s 4.]
Notes:
Findings—Intent—Effective date—2026 c 203: See notes following RCW 9.41.190.
Effective date—2022 c 105: See note following RCW 7.80.120.


title: RCW 9.41.327

text:
(1) After March 10, 2023, no person may knowingly or recklessly possess, transport, or receive an unfinished frame or receiver, unless: (a) The party possessing, transporting, or receiving the unfinished frame or receiver is a law enforcement agency or a federal firearms importer, federal firearms manufacturer, or federal firearms dealer; or (b) the unfinished frame or receiver has been imprinted with a serial number issued by a federal firearms importer, federal firearms manufacturer, or federal firearms dealer.
(2) No person may sell, offer to sell, transfer, or purchase an unfinished frame or receiver, unless: (a) The party purchasing the unfinished frame or receiver is a federal firearms importer, federal firearms manufacturer, or federal firearms dealer; or (b) the unfinished frame or receiver has been imprinted with a serial number issued by a federal firearms importer, federal firearms manufacturer, or federal firearms dealer.
(3) No person may sell, transfer, distribute, or offer to sell digital firearm manufacturing code for an unfinished frame or receiver to a person who is not a federal firearms manufacturer, or who is not a federal firearms dealer licensed for the sole purpose of repairing existing firearms.
(4) No person may possess digital firearm manufacturing code for an unfinished frame or receiver with an intent to distribute the code unless the person receiving the code is:
(a) A federal firearms manufacturer; or
(b) A federal firearms dealer licensed for the sole purpose of repairing existing firearms.
(5) No person may possess digital firearm manufacturing code for an unfinished frame or receiver with an intent to manufacture an unfinished frame or receiver using a three-dimensional printer or computer numerical control milling machine unless the person is:
(a) A federal firearms manufacturer; or
(b) A federal firearms dealer licensed for the sole purpose of repairing existing firearms.
(6) No person may knowingly or recklessly manufacture a frame or receiver or an unfinished frame or receiver by use of a three-dimensional printer, computer numerical control milling machine, or by other means, unless the party manufacturing the frame or receiver or unfinished frame or receiver is a federal firearms manufacturer, or is a federal firearms dealer licensed for the sole purpose of repairing existing firearms.
(7) Subsection (1) of this section does not apply to any unfinished frame or receiver that has been imprinted by a federal firearms dealer or other federal licensee authorized to provide marking services as provided for in RCW 9.41.328.
(8)(a) Any person who violates this section commits a civil infraction and shall be assessed a monetary penalty of $500.
(b) If a person previously has been found to have violated this section, then the person is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable under chapter 9A.20 RCW for each subsequent violation of this section.
(c) If a person previously has been found to have violated this section two or more times, then the person is guilty of a gross misdemeanor punishable under chapter 9A.20 RCW for each subsequent violation of this section.
(d) If a person violates this section by possessing, transporting, receiving, selling, offering to sell, transferring, purchasing, or manufacturing three or more frames or receivers or unfinished frames or receivers at a time, then the person is guilty of a gross misdemeanor punishable under chapter 9A.20 RCW for each violation of this section.
(e) A person commits a separate violation of this section for each and every frame or receiver, or unfinished frame or receiver, to which this section applies.
[ 2026 c 203 s 7; 2022 c 105 s 5.]
Notes:
Findings—Intent—Effective date—2026 c 203: See notes following RCW 9.41.190.
Effective date—2022 c 105: See note following RCW 7.80.120.

catchline: Unfinished frames or receivers—Exceptions—Penalties.


title: RCW 9.41.328

text:
(1) A federal firearms dealer or other federal licensee authorized to provide marking services for firearms may imprint a firearm or unfinished frame or receiver with a serial number.
(2) The firearm or unfinished frame or receiver shall be imprinted with the licensee's abbreviated federal firearms license number as a prefix (which is the first three and last five digits) followed by a hyphen, and then followed by a number as a suffix, e.g., "12345678-(number)." The serial number must be placed in a manner that accords with the requirements under federal law for affixing serial numbers to firearms, including the requirements that the serial number be at the minimum size and depth, and not susceptible to being readily obliterated, altered, or removed.
(3) The serial number must not duplicate any serial numbers placed by the federal firearms dealer or other federal licensee on any other firearm or unfinished frame or receiver.
(4) Whenever a federal firearms dealer or other federal licensee imprints a firearm or unfinished frame or receiver with a serial number, the licensee shall retain records that accord with the requirements under federal law in the case of the sale of a firearm.
[ 2022 c 105 s 6.]
Notes:
Effective date—2022 c 105: See note following RCW 7.80.120.

catchline: Imprinting a firearm or unfinished frame or receiver.


title: RCW 9.41.330

text:
(1) On or after June 9, 2016, except as provided in subsection (3) of this section, whenever a defendant in this state is convicted of a felony firearm offense or found not guilty by reason of insanity of any felony firearm offense, the court must consider whether to impose a requirement that the person comply with the registration requirements of RCW 9.41.333 and may, in its discretion, impose such a requirement.
(2) In determining whether to require the person to register, the court shall consider all relevant factors including, but not limited to:
(a) The person's criminal history;
(b) Whether the person has previously been found not guilty by reason of insanity of any offense in this state or elsewhere; and
(c) Evidence of the person's propensity for violence that would likely endanger persons.
(3) When a person is convicted of a felony firearm offense or found not guilty by reason of insanity of any felony firearm offense that was committed in conjunction with any of the following offenses, the court must impose a requirement that the person comply with the registration requirements of RCW 9.41.333:
(a) An offense involving sexual motivation;
(b) An offense committed against a child under the age of eighteen; or
(c) A serious violent offense.
(4) For purposes of this section, "sexual motivation" and "serious violent offense" are defined as in RCW 9.94A.030.
[ 2016 c 94 s 1; 2013 c 183 s 3.]

catchline: Felony firearm offenders—Determination of registration.


title: RCW 9.41.333

text:
(1) Any adult or juvenile residing, whether or not the person has a fixed residence, in this state who has been required by a court to comply with the registration requirements of this section shall personally register with the county sheriff for the county of the person's residence.
(2) A person required to register under this section must provide the following information when registering:
(a) Name and any aliases used;
(b) Complete and accurate residence address or, if the person lacks a fixed residence, where he or she plans to stay;
(c) Identifying information of the gun offender, including a physical description;
(d) The offense for which the person was convicted;
(e) Date and place of conviction; and
(f) The names of any other county where the offender has registered pursuant to this section.
(3) The county sheriff may require the offender to provide documentation that verifies the contents of his or her registration.
(4) The county sheriff may take the offender's photograph or fingerprints for the inclusion of such record in the registration.
(5) Felony firearm offenders shall register with the county sheriff not later than forty-eight hours after:
(a) The date of release from custody, as a result of the felony firearm offense, of the state department of corrections, the state department of social and health services, a local division of youth services, or a local jail or juvenile detention facility; or
(b) The date the court imposes the felony firearm offender's sentence, if the offender receives a sentence that does not include confinement.
(6)(a) Except as described in (b) of this subsection, the felony firearm offender shall register with the county sheriff not later than twenty days after each twelve-month anniversary of the date the offender is first required to register, as described in subsection (5) of this section.
(b) If the felony firearm offender is confined to any correctional institution, state institution or facility, or health care facility throughout the twenty-day period described in (a) of this subsection, the offender shall personally appear before the county sheriff not later than forty-eight hours after release to verify and update, as appropriate, his or her registration.
(7) If the felony firearm offender changes his or her residence address and his or her new residence address is within this state, the offender shall personally register with the county sheriff for the county of the person's residence not later than forty-eight hours after the change of address. If the offender's residence address is within the same county as the offender's immediately preceding address, the offender shall update the contents of his or her current registration.
(8) The duty to register shall continue for a period of four years from the date the offender is first required to register, as described in subsection (5) of this section.
[ 2013 c 183 s 4.]

catchline: Duty to register—Requirements.


title: RCW 9.41.335

text:
(1) A person commits the crime of failure to register as a felony firearm offender if the person has a duty to register under RCW 9.41.333 and knowingly fails to comply with any of the requirements of RCW 9.41.333.
(2) Failure to register as a felony firearm offender is a gross misdemeanor.
[ 2013 c 183 s 5.]

catchline: Failure to register as felony firearm offender.


title: RCW 9.41.340

text:
(1)(a) Each law enforcement agency shall develop a notification protocol that:
(i) Allows a family or household member or intimate partner to use an incident or case number to request to be notified when a law enforcement agency returns a privately owned firearm to the individual from whom it was obtained or to an authorized representative of that person; and
(ii) Requires notification to any person identified in a no-contact order, restraining order, or protection order and any identified victim of the crime that resulted in the firearm surrender.
(b)(i) Notification may be made via telephone, email, text message, or another method that allows notification to be provided without unnecessary delay.
(ii) If a law enforcement agency is in possession of more than one privately owned firearm from an individual, notification relating to the return of one firearm shall be considered notification for all privately owned firearms for that person.
(2) A law enforcement agency shall not provide notification to any party other than another criminal justice agency or as authorized or required under subsection (1) of this section.
(3) The information provided by a family or household member or intimate partner pursuant to chapter 130, Laws of 2015, including the existence of the request for notification, is not subject to public disclosure pursuant to chapter 42.56 RCW.
(4) An appointed or elected official, public employee, or public agency as defined in RCW 4.24.470, or combination of units of local government and its employees, as provided in RCW 36.28A.010, are immune from civil liability for damages for any release of information or the failure to release information related to this section, so long as the release or failure was without gross negligence.
(5) An individual who knowingly makes a request for notification under this section based on false information may be held liable under RCW 9A.76.175.
[ 2023 c 462 s 401; 2020 c 29 s 5; 2015 c 130 s 1.]
Notes:
Effective date—2020 c 29: See note following RCW 7.77.060.
Short title—2015 c 130: "This act may be known and cited as the Sheena Henderson act." [ 2015 c 130 s 3.]

catchline: Return of privately owned firearm by law enforcement agency—Notification—Exception—Exemption from public disclosure—Civil liability—Liability for request based on false information.


title: RCW 9.41.345

text:
(1) Before a law enforcement agency returns a privately owned firearm, the law enforcement agency must:
(a) Confirm that the individual to whom the firearm will be returned is the individual from whom the firearm was obtained or an authorized representative of that person;
(b) Confirm that the individual to whom the firearm will be returned is eligible to possess a firearm pursuant to RCW 9.41.040;
(c) Ensure that the firearm is not otherwise required to be held in custody or otherwise prohibited from being released;
(d) Ensure that five business days have elapsed from the time the firearm was obtained by law enforcement; and
(e) If a family or household member or intimate partner has requested notification under RCW 9.41.340(1)(a)(i), or notification to an identified victim or protected person is required per RCW 9.41.340(1)(a)(ii), provide notice to the appropriate person within one business day of verifying that the requirements in (a) through (c) of this subsection have been met.
(2)(a) Once the requirements in subsections (1) and (3) of this section have been met, a law enforcement agency must release a firearm to the individual from whom it was obtained or an authorized representative of that person upon request without unnecessary delay.
(b)(i) If a firearm cannot be returned because it is required to be held in custody or is otherwise prohibited from being released, a law enforcement agency must provide written notice to the individual from whom it was obtained within five business days of the individual requesting return of the firearm and specify the reason the firearm must be held in custody.
(ii) Notification may be made via email, text message, mail service, or personal service. For methods other than personal service, service shall be considered complete once the notification is sent.
(3) If notification is required under RCW 9.41.340(1)(a) (i) or (ii), a law enforcement agency must hold the firearm in custody for five business days from the time notification has been provided or information has been entered.
(4)(a) A law enforcement agency may not return a concealed pistol license that has been surrendered to, or impounded by, the law enforcement agency for any reason to the licensee until the law enforcement agency determines the licensee is eligible to possess a firearm under state and federal law and meets the other eligibility requirements for a concealed pistol license under RCW 9.41.070.
(b) A law enforcement agency must release a concealed pistol license to the licensee without unnecessary delay, and in no case longer than five business days, after the law enforcement agency determines the requirements of (a) of this subsection have been met.
(5) The provisions of chapter 130, Laws of 2015 and subsection (4) of this section shall not apply to circumstances where a law enforcement officer has momentarily obtained a firearm or concealed pistol license from an individual and would otherwise immediately return the firearm or concealed pistol license to the individual during the same interaction.
[ 2023 c 462 s 402; 2020 c 29 s 6; 2019 c 367 s 5; 2018 c 226 s 1; 2015 c 130 s 2.]
Notes:
Effective date—2020 c 29: See note following RCW 7.77.060.
Short title—2015 c 130: See note following RCW 9.41.340.

catchline: Return of privately owned firearm or concealed pistol license by law enforcement agency—Duties—Notice—Exception.


title: RCW 9.41.350

text:
(1) A person may file a voluntary waiver of firearm rights, either in writing or electronically, with the clerk of the court in any county in Washington state. The clerk of the court must request a physical or scanned copy of photo identification to verify the person's identity prior to accepting the form. The person filing the form may provide the name of a family member, mental health professional, substance use disorder professional, or alternate person to be contacted if the filer attempts to purchase a firearm while the voluntary waiver of firearm rights is in effect or if the filer applies to have the voluntary waiver revoked. The clerk of the court must immediately give notice to the person filing the form and any listed family member, mental health professional, substance use disorder professional, or alternate person if the filer's voluntary waiver of firearm rights has been accepted. The notice must state that the filer's possession or control of a firearm is unlawful under RCW 9.41.040(7) and that any firearm in the filer's possession or control should be surrendered immediately. By the end of the business day, the clerk of the court must transmit the accepted form to the Washington state patrol firearms background check program. The Washington state patrol firearms background check program must enter the voluntary waiver of firearm rights into the national instant criminal background check system and any other federal or state computer-based systems used by law enforcement agencies or others to identify prohibited purchasers of firearms within twenty-four hours of receipt of the form. Copies and records of the voluntary waiver of firearm rights shall not be disclosed except to law enforcement agencies.
(2) A filer of a voluntary waiver of firearm rights may update the contact information for any family member, mental health professional, substance use disorder professional, or alternate person provided under subsection (1) of this section by making an electronic or written request to the clerk of the court in the same county where the voluntary waiver of firearm rights was filed. The clerk of the court must request a physical or scanned copy of photo identification to verify the person's identity prior to updating the contact information on the form. By the end of the business day, the clerk of the court must transmit the updated contact information to the Washington state patrol.
(3) No sooner than seven calendar days after filing a voluntary waiver of firearm rights, the person may file a revocation of the voluntary waiver of firearm rights, either in writing or electronically, in the same county where the voluntary waiver of firearm rights was filed. The clerk of the court must request a physical or scanned copy of photo identification to verify the person's identity prior to accepting the form. By the end of the business day, the clerk of the court must transmit the form to the Washington state patrol firearms background check program and to any family member, mental health professional, substance use disorder professional, or alternate person listed on the voluntary waiver of firearm rights. Within seven days of receiving a revocation of a voluntary waiver of firearm rights, the Washington state patrol firearms background check program must remove the person from the national instant criminal background check system, and any other federal or state computer-based systems used by law enforcement agencies or others to identify prohibited purchasers of firearms in which the person was entered, unless the person is otherwise ineligible to possess a firearm under RCW 9.41.040, and destroy all records of the voluntary waiver.
(4) A person who knowingly makes a false statement regarding their identity on the voluntary waiver of firearm rights form or revocation of waiver of firearm rights form is guilty of false swearing under RCW 9A.72.040.
(5) Neither a voluntary waiver of firearm rights nor a revocation of a voluntary waiver of firearm rights shall be considered by a court in any legal proceeding.
(6) A voluntary waiver of firearm rights may not be required of an individual as a condition for receiving employment, benefits, or services.
(7) All records obtained and all reports produced, as required by this section, are not subject to disclosure through the public records act under chapter 42.56 RCW.
[ 2024 c 289 s 5; 2023 c 262 s 3; 2018 c 145 s 1.]
Notes:
Effective date—2024 c 289: See note following RCW 9.41.111.
Effective date—2018 c 145 ss 1, 3, and 4: "Sections 1, 3, and 4 of this act take effect January 1, 2019." [ 2018 c 145 s 5.]

catchline: Voluntary waiver of firearm rights—Procedure—Penalty—Exemption from public disclosure.


title: RCW 9.41.352

text:
(1) The administrator for the courts, under the direction of the chief justice, shall develop a voluntary waiver of firearm rights form and a revocation of voluntary waiver of firearm rights form by January 1, 2019.
(2) The forms must include all of the information necessary for identification and entry of the person into the national instant criminal background check system, and any other federal or state computer-based systems used by law enforcement agencies or others to identify prohibited purchasers of firearms. The voluntary waiver of firearm rights form must include the following language:
Because you have filed this voluntary waiver of firearm rights, effective immediately you may not purchase, receive, control, or possess any firearm. You may revoke this voluntary waiver of firearm rights any time after at least seven calendar days have elapsed since the time of filing.
(3) The forms must be made available on the administrator for the courts website, at all county clerk offices, and must also be made widely available at firearm and ammunition dealers and health care provider locations.
[ 2023 c 262 s 4; 2018 c 145 s 2.]

catchline: Voluntary waiver of firearm rights—Form—Availability.


title: RCW 9.41.354

text:
Mental health professionals and substance use disorder professionals are encouraged to discuss the voluntary waiver of firearm rights with their patients if the mental health professional or substance use disorder professional reasonably believes that a discussion will avoid or minimize an imminent danger to the health or safety of the individual or any other individual; however, there is no obligation to do so.
[ 2023 c 262 s 5.]

catchline: Voluntary waiver of firearm rights—Health professionals.


title: RCW 9.41.360

text:
(1) A person who stores or leaves a firearm in a location where the person knows, or reasonably should know, that a prohibited person may gain access to the firearm:
(a) Is guilty of community endangerment due to unsafe storage of a firearm in the first degree if a prohibited person obtains access and possession of the firearm and causes personal injury or death with the firearm; or
(b) Is guilty of community endangerment due to unsafe storage of a firearm in the second degree if a prohibited person obtains access and possession of the firearm and:
(i) Causes the firearm to discharge;
(ii) Carries, exhibits, or displays the firearm in a public place in a manner that either manifests an intent to intimidate another or that warrants alarm for the safety of other persons; or
(iii) Uses the firearm in the commission of a crime.
(2)(a) Community endangerment due to unsafe storage of a firearm in the first degree is a class C felony punishable according to chapter 9A.20 RCW.
(b) Community endangerment due to unsafe storage of a firearm in the second degree is a gross misdemeanor punishable according to chapter 9A.20 RCW.
(3) Subsection (1) of this section does not apply if:
(a) The firearm was in secure gun storage, or secured with a trigger lock or similar device that is designed to prevent the unauthorized use or discharge of the firearm;
(b) In the case of a person who is a prohibited person on the basis of the person's age, access to the firearm is with the lawful permission of the prohibited person's parent or guardian and supervised by an adult, or is in accordance with RCW 9.41.042;
(c) The prohibited person obtains, or obtains and discharges, the firearm in a lawful act of self-defense; or
(d) The prohibited person's access to the firearm was obtained as a result of an unlawful entry, provided that the unauthorized access or theft of the firearm is reported to a local law enforcement agency in the jurisdiction in which the unauthorized access or theft occurred within five days of the time the victim of the unlawful entry knew or reasonably should have known that the firearm had been taken.
(4) If a death or serious injury occurs as a result of an alleged violation of subsection (1)(a) of this section, the prosecuting attorney may decline to prosecute, even though technically sufficient evidence to prosecute exists, in situations where prosecution would serve no public purpose or would defeat the purpose of the law in question.
(5) For the purposes of this section, "prohibited person" means a person who is prohibited from possessing a firearm under state or federal law.
(6) Nothing in this section mandates how or where a firearm must be stored.
[ 2019 c 3 s 5 (Initiative Measure No. 1639, approved November 6, 2018).]
Notes:
Finding—2019 c 3 (Initiative Measure No. 1639): "Gun violence is far too common in Washington and the United States. In particular, shootings involving the use of semiautomatic assault rifles have resulted in hundreds of lives lost, devastating injuries, and lasting psychological impacts on survivors, their families, and communities. Semiautomatic assault rifles are specifically designed to kill quickly and efficiently and have been used in some of the country's deadliest mass shootings, including in Newtown, Connecticut; Las Vegas, Nevada; and Parkland and Orlando, Florida, among others. Semiautomatic assault rifles have also been used in deadly shootings in Washington, including in Mukilteo and Tacoma.
The impacts of gun violence by assault weapons fall heavily on children and teenagers. According to one analysis, more than two hundred eight thousand students attending at least two hundred twelve schools have experienced a shooting on campus since the Columbine mass shooting in 1999. Active shooter drills are normal for a generation of American schoolchildren, instilling at a young age the sad and unnecessary realization that a mass shooting can happen in any community, in any school, at any time.
Enough is enough. The people find and declare that it is crucial and urgent to pass laws to increase public safety and reduce gun violence.
Implementing an enhanced background check system for semiautomatic assault rifles that is as strong as the one required to purchase a handgun and requiring safety training and a waiting period will help ensure that we keep these weapons out of dangerous hands. Further, federal law prohibits the sale of pistols to individuals under the age of twenty-one and at least a dozen states further restrict the ownership or possession of firearms by individuals under the age of twenty-one. This makes sense, as studies show that eighteen to twenty year olds commit a disproportionate number of firearm homicides in the United States and research indicates that the brain does not fully mature until a later age. Raising the minimum age to purchase semiautomatic assault rifles to twenty-one is a commonsense step the people wish to take to increase public safety.
Finally, firearms taken from the home by children or other persons prohibited from possessing firearms have been at the heart of several tragic gun violence incidents. One study shows that over eighty-five percent of school shooters obtained the firearm at their home or from a friend or relative. Another study found that more than seventy-five percent of firearms used in youth suicide attempts and unintentional injuries were stored in the residence of the victim, a relative, or a friend. Secure gun storage requirements for all firearms will increase public safety by helping ensure that children and other prohibited persons do not inappropriately gain access to firearms, and notice requirements will make the potential dangers of firearms clear to purchasers.
Therefore, to increase public safety for all Washingtonians, in particular our children, this measure would, among other things: Create an enhanced background check system applicable to semiautomatic assault rifles similar to what is required for handguns, require that individuals complete a firearm safety training course and be at least twenty-one years of age to purchase or possess such weapons, enact a waiting period for the purchase of such weapons, and establish standards for the responsible storage of all firearms." [ 2019 c 3 s 1 (Initiative Measure No. 1639, approved November 6, 2018).]
Short title—2019 c 3 (Initiative Measure No. 1639): "This act may be known and cited as the public safety and semiautomatic assault rifle act." [ 2019 c 3 s 2 (Initiative Measure No. 1639, approved November 6, 2018).]
Effective dates—2019 c 3 (Initiative Measure No. 1639): "This act takes effect July 1, 2019, except for section 13 of this act which takes effect January 1, 2019." [ 2019 c 3 s 17 (Initiative Measure No. 1639, approved November 6, 2018).]
Implementation—2019 c 3 (Initiative Measure No. 1639): "The director of the department of licensing may take the necessary steps to ensure that this act is implemented on its effective date." [ 2019 c 3 s 18 (Initiative Measure No. 1639, approved November 6, 2018).]

catchline: Unsafe storage of a firearm.


title: RCW 9.41.365

text:
(1) When selling or transferring any firearm, every dealer shall offer to sell or give the purchaser or transferee a secure gun storage device, or a trigger lock or similar device that is designed to prevent the unauthorized use or discharge of the firearm.
(2) Every store, shop, or sales outlet where firearms are sold, that is registered as a dealer in firearms with the department of licensing, shall conspicuously post, in a prominent location so that all patrons may take notice, the following warning sign, to be provided by the department of licensing, in block letters at least one inch in height:
WARNING: YOU MAY FACE CRIMINAL PROSECUTION IF YOU STORE OR LEAVE AN UNSECURED FIREARM WHERE A PERSON WHO IS PROHIBITED FROM POSSESSING FIREARMS CAN AND DOES OBTAIN POSSESSION.
(3) Every store, shop, or sales outlet where firearms are sold that is registered as a dealer in firearms with the department of licensing, upon the sale or transfer of a firearm, shall deliver a written warning to the purchaser or transferee that states, in block letters not less than one-fourth inch in height:
WARNING: YOU MAY FACE CRIMINAL PROSECUTION IF YOU STORE OR LEAVE AN UNSECURED FIREARM WHERE A PERSON WHO IS PROHIBITED FROM POSSESSING FIREARMS CAN AND DOES OBTAIN POSSESSION.
(4) Every person who violates this section is guilty of a class 1 civil infraction under chapter 7.80 RCW and may be fined up to two hundred fifty dollars. However, no such fines may be levied until thirty days have expired from the time warning signs required under subsection (2) of this section are distributed by the department of licensing.
[ 2019 c 3 s 6 (Initiative Measure No. 1639, approved November 6, 2018).]
Notes:
Finding—Short title—Effective dates—Implementation—2019 c 3 (Initiative Measure No. 1639): See notes following RCW 9.41.360.

catchline: Firearm security and storage—Requirements for dealers.


title: RCW 9.41.368

text:
(1) An owner or other person lawfully in possession of a firearm who suffers the loss or theft of the firearm shall report the facts and circumstances of the loss or theft to the local law enforcement agency where the loss or theft occurred within 24 hours after the person first discovered the loss or theft unless the delay is for good cause shown. The report must include, to the extent known: The firearm's caliber, make, model, manufacturer, and serial number; any other distinguishing number or identification mark on the firearm; and the circumstances of the loss or theft, including the date, place, and manner.
(2) A law enforcement agency that receives a report of a lost or stolen firearm shall enter the following information, to the extent known, into the national crime information center database:
(a) The firearm's caliber, make, model, manufacturer, and serial number; and
(b) Any other distinguishing number or identification mark on the firearm.
(3) A person who fails to report a lost or stolen firearm in violation of this section commits a civil infraction and is subject to a monetary penalty of up to $1,000. If multiple firearms are lost or stolen in a single event, the owner or person who was lawfully in possession of the firearms at the time of loss or theft who fails to report the event shall be subject to a single monetary penalty.
(4) The duly constituted licensing authority of any city, town, or political subdivision of this state, upon issuing a firearm dealer's license in accordance with RCW 9.41.110, shall issue the dealer signage the dealer must post in a conspicuous place at each point-of-sale that states in block letters not less than one inch in height: "FAILURE TO KEEP FIREARMS IN SECURE GUN STORAGE, OR SECURED WITH A TRIGGER LOCK OR SIMILAR DEVICE THAT IS DESIGNED TO PREVENT THE UNAUTHORIZED USE OR DISCHARGE OF THE FIREARM MAY SUBJECT YOU TO CRIMINAL PENALTIES.
FAILURE TO REPORT THE LOSS OR THEFT OF A FIREARM MAY SUBJECT YOU TO A CIVIL PENALTY UP TO $1,000."
[ 2024 c 286 s 1.]

catchline: Firearm security and storage—Loss or theft—Owner or other person.


title: RCW 9.41.370

text:
(1) No person in this state may manufacture, import, distribute, sell, or offer for sale any large capacity magazine, except as authorized in this section.
(2) Subsection (1) of this section does not apply to any of the following:
(a) The manufacture, importation, distribution, offer for sale, or sale of a large capacity magazine by a licensed firearms manufacturer for the purposes of sale to any branch of the armed forces of the United States or the state of Washington, or to a law enforcement agency in this state for use by that agency or its employees for law enforcement purposes;
(b) The importation, distribution, offer for sale, or sale of a large capacity magazine by a dealer that is properly licensed under federal and state law for the purpose of sale to any branch of the armed forces of the United States or the state of Washington, or to a law enforcement agency in this state for use by that agency or its employees for law enforcement purposes;
(c) The distribution, offer for sale, or sale of a large capacity magazine to or by a dealer that is properly licensed under federal and state law where the dealer acquires the large capacity magazine from a person legally authorized to possess or transfer the large capacity magazine for the purpose of selling or transferring the large capacity magazine to a person who does not reside in this state.
(3) A person who violates this section is guilty of a gross misdemeanor punishable under chapter 9A.20 RCW.
[ 2022 c 104 s 3.]
Notes:
Findings—Intent—Effective date—2022 c 104: See notes following RCW 9.41.010.


title: RCW 9.41.375

text:
Distributing, selling, offering for sale, or facilitating the sale, distribution, or transfer of a large capacity magazine online is an unfair or deceptive act or practice or unfair method of competition in the conduct of trade or commerce for purposes of the consumer protection act, chapter 19.86 RCW.
[ 2022 c 104 s 4.]
Notes:
Findings—Intent—Effective date—2022 c 104: See notes following RCW 9.41.010.

catchline: Large capacity magazines—Unfair method of competition.


title: RCW 9.41.380

text:
(1) In order to better prevent suicide by veterans, military members, and their families, an expansion of safe storage of firearms and reduced access to lethal means in the community is encouraged.
(2) A dealer who provides a service of allowing a person to temporarily store a firearm on the dealer's premises in a storage locker, box, or container that is locked and not accessible to the dealer does not thereby create a special relationship, for civil liability purposes, between the dealer and the person who temporarily stores the firearm on the dealer's premises.
[ 2022 c 191 s 10.]
Notes:
Findings—Intent—2022 c 191: See note following RCW 43.60A.260.

catchline: Safe storage of firearms expansion encouraged—No special relationship created by dealer storage.


title: RCW 9.41.390

text:
(1) No person in this state may manufacture, import, distribute, sell, or offer for sale any assault weapon, except as authorized in this section.
(2) Subsection (1) of this section does not apply to any of the following:
(a) The manufacture, importation, distribution, offer for sale, or sale of an assault weapon by a licensed firearms manufacturer for the purposes of sale to any branch of the armed forces of the United States or the state of Washington, or to any law enforcement agency for use by that agency or its employees for law enforcement purposes, or to a person who does not reside in this state;
(b) The importation, distribution, offer for sale, or sale of an assault weapon by a dealer that is properly licensed under federal and state law for the purpose of sale to any branch of the armed forces of the United States or the state of Washington, or to a law enforcement agency in this state for use by that agency or its employees for law enforcement purposes;
(c) The distribution, offer for sale, or sale of an assault weapon to or by a dealer that is properly licensed under federal and state law where the dealer acquires the assault weapon from an individual legally authorized to possess or transfer the assault weapon for the purpose of selling or transferring the assault weapon to a person who does not reside in this state. The purpose of this section is to allow individuals who no longer wish to own an assault weapon to sell their assault weapon and is not intended to allow Washington dealers to purchase assault weapons wholesale for the purpose of selling a stock or inventory of assault weapons online or in person to nonresidents;
(d) The out-of-state sale or transfer of the existing stock of assault weapons owned by a licensed dealer that was acquired prior to January 1, 2023, for the limited period of 90 days after April 25, 2023; or
(e) The receipt of an assault weapon by a person who, on or after April 25, 2023, acquires possession of the assault weapon by operation of law upon the death of the former owner who was in legal possession of the assault weapon, provided the person in possession of the assault weapon can establish such provenance. Receipt under this subsection (2)(e) is not "distribution" under this chapter. A person who legally receives an assault weapon under this subsection (2)(e) may not sell or transfer the assault weapon to any other person in this state other than to a licensed dealer, to a federally licensed gunsmith for the purpose of service or repair, or to a law enforcement agency for the purpose of permanently relinquishing the assault weapon.
(3) For the purposes of this section, "law enforcement agency" means any (a) general authority Washington law enforcement agency as defined in RCW 10.93.020; (b) limited authority Washington law enforcement agency as defined in RCW 10.93.020; or (c) equivalent federal, state, or local law enforcement agency in the United States.
(4) A person who violates this section is guilty of a gross misdemeanor.
[ 2023 c 162 s 3.]
Notes:
Findings—Intent—2023 c 162: "The legislature finds and declares that gun violence is a threat to the public health and safety of Washingtonians. Assault weapons are civilian versions of weapons created for the military and are designed to kill humans quickly and efficiently. For this reason the legislature finds that assault weapons are "like" "M-16 rifles" and thus are "weapons most useful in military service." Assault weapons have been used in the deadliest mass shootings in the last decade. An assailant with an assault weapon can hurt and kill twice the number of people than an assailant with a handgun or nonassault rifle. This is because the additional features of an assault weapon are not "merely cosmetic"; rather, these are features that allow shooters to fire large numbers of rounds quickly. An analysis of mass shootings that result in four or more deaths found that 85 percent of those fatalities were caused by an assault weapon. The legislature also finds that this regulation is likely to have an impact on the number of mass shootings committed in Washington. Studies have shown that during the period the federal assault weapon ban was in effect, mass shooting fatalities were 70 percent less likely to occur. Moreover, the legislature finds that assault weapons are not suitable for self-defense and that studies show that assault weapons are statistically not used in self-defense. The legislature finds that assault weapons are not commonly used in self-defense and that any proliferation is not the result of the assault weapon being well-suited for self-defense, hunting, or sporting purposes. Rather, increased sales are the result of the gun industry's concerted efforts to sell more guns to a civilian market. The legislature finds that the gun industry has specifically marketed these weapons as "tactical," "hyper masculine," and "military style" in manner that overtly appeals to troubled young men intent on becoming the next mass shooter. The legislature intends to limit the prospective sale of assault weapons, while allowing existing legal owners to retain the assault weapons they currently own." [ 2023 c 162 s 1.]
Effective date—2023 c 162: "This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately [April 25, 2023]." [ 2023 c 162 s 6.]

catchline: Assault weapons—Manufacturing, importing, distributing, selling prohibited—Exceptions—Penalty.


title: RCW 9.41.395

text:
(1) The legislature finds that manufacturing, importing, distributing, selling, or offering for sale any assault weapon in violation of RCW 9.41.390 are matters vitally affecting the public interest for the purpose of applying the consumer protection act, chapter 19.86 RCW; are not reasonable in relation to the development and preservation of business; and constitutes an unfair or deceptive act in trade or commerce and an unfair method of competition for the purpose of applying the consumer protection act, chapter 19.86 RCW.
(2) A violation of RCW 9.41.390 is an unfair or deceptive act or practice or unfair method of competition in the conduct of trade or commerce for purposes of the consumer protection act, chapter 19.86 RCW.
(3) Any person or entity that receives a civil investigative demand issued pursuant to RCW 19.86.110 and that has an objection to answering in whole or in part may avail themselves of the procedural protections afforded in RCW 19.86.110(8). Further, the attorney general shall not share with a law enforcement agency conducting a criminal investigation any materials or information obtained via a response to a civil investigative demand issued pursuant to RCW 19.86.110 unless such information or materials are required to be disclosed pursuant to issuance of a search warrant.
[ 2023 c 162 s 4.]
Notes:
Findings—Intent—Effective date—2023 c 162: See notes following RCW 9.41.390.

catchline: Assault weapons—Consumer protection act.