Senate Bill 554 — Cascade Arms Watch

Overview

Requires person to secure firearm with trigger or cable lock, in locked container or in gun room except in specified circumstances.

Key provisions

Authorizes entity that owns, occupies or controls public building to adopt ordinance, rule or policy limiting or precluding affirmative defense for possession of firearms in public buildings by concealed handgun licensees.
Provides that ordinance, rule or policy may not affect possession of firearms in parking area or parking garage.
Modifies definition of “public building,” for purposes of crime of possession of weapon in public building, to include certain airport areas, buildings owned, occupied or controlled by specified public bodies and real property owned by college or university.
Defines “state building” and removes affirmative defense for possession of firearm in state building by concealed handgun licensee.
Provides that prohibition of firearms in public buildings does not apply to person who possesses unloaded firearm in airport in locked container for transportation in accordance with federal law.
Punishes violation by maximum of five years’ imprisonment, $125,000 fine, or both.

Penalties / enforcement

Modifies definition of “public building,” for purposes of crime of possession of weapon in public building, to include certain airport areas, buildings owned, occupied or controlled by specified public bodies and real property owned by college or university.
Punishes violation by maximum of five years’ imprisonment, $125,000 fine, or both.
Punishes violation by maximum of $500 fine.

Effective date / timeline

Exceptions / carve-outs