OLYMPIA — The Washington State Senate on Wednesday passed Senate Bill 5098, legislation sponsored by Sen. Javier Valdez (D-Seattle), to restrict the possession of weapons in certain public spaces where children and families are likely to be present.
After passing the Senate last year but not advancing in the House, the bill again cleared the chamber as Valdez pushes to strengthen public safety statewide.
“This bill has been a long time coming,” Valdez said. “People across Washington have told me they want parks, county fairgrounds, and community events to be safe places for their families. We’ve listened, we’ve done the work, and I’m grateful the Senate has voted to move it forward again.”
SB 5098 restricts weapons at designated park facilities where children are likely to be present, including playgrounds, sports fields, community and teen centers, skate parks and water play areas. The bill also restricts weapons in certain state and local public buildings, as well as at county fairs and county fair facilities while the fairs are open to the public.
The legislation requires facilities where weapons are prohibited to post signage at common public access points notifying the public of the restrictions.
“Safety isn’t partisan, and it shouldn’t be controversial,” Valdez said. “This bill is a commonsense approach to protecting kids, families, and public servants while respecting constitutional rights. I’m grateful my colleagues recognized how important this is and voted to pass it again. I hope the House will act this session, so we can finally get this bill to the governor’s desk and signed into law.”
The bill builds on Washington’s existing framework of risk-based firearm restrictions in sensitive locations such as schools, courthouses, libraries, and transit facilities. It maintains exemptions for law enforcement, military activities, individuals with valid concealed pistol licenses, and certain ceremonial or permitted activities.
The bill now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration.
