What's Really in Senate Bill 5568?

Published on January 29, 2022
Duration: 11:03

This video explains Washington State Senate Bill 5568, which proposes to amend RCW 9.41.300 to allow cities, towns, and counties to restrict the open carry of firearms at public meetings, government facilities, and permitted demonstrations. The speaker, William Kirk of Washington Gun Law, emphasizes the importance of state preemption in firearms regulation and warns against the 'slippery slope' of allowing local governments to enact more restrictive laws, even if seemingly minor.

Quick Summary

Washington Senate Bill 5568 proposes to allow local governments to restrict open carry at public meetings and government facilities. This bill is seen by some as a 'slippery slope' that could weaken state preemption, which currently reserves firearm regulation authority for the state.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Washington Gun Law TV
  2. 00:16Focus on Senate Bill 5568
  3. 01:16What is Senate Bill 5568?
  4. 01:54The Importance of State Preemption
  5. 03:57RCW 9.41.290: State Preemption Codified
  6. 05:35Amending RCW 9.41.300
  7. 06:12Existing Exceptions in RCW 9.41.300
  8. 07:27What SB 5568 Adds
  9. 08:23The Slippery Slope Concern
  10. 09:44What You Can Do
  11. 10:17Further Updates and Contact Information

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Washington Senate Bill 5568 about?

Senate Bill 5568 in Washington State proposes to allow local governments (cities, towns, counties) to restrict the open carry of firearms at public meetings, government-owned facilities, and permitted demonstrations within their jurisdictions. It aims to amend existing firearm preemption laws.

What is state preemption regarding firearms in Washington?

State preemption means only the state of Washington can set firearms regulations. Local governments cannot create their own firearm laws that are more restrictive than state law, unless specifically authorized by statute, to ensure consistent rules across the state.

What does RCW 9.41.300 currently allow local governments to do regarding firearms?

RCW 9.41.300 currently permits local governments to restrict firearm discharge if public safety is jeopardized and to ban firearms in stadiums or convention centers they operate, with exceptions for licensed concealed carry permit holders.

Why is Senate Bill 5568 considered a 'slippery slope' by some gun owners?

Critics view SB 5568 as a 'slippery slope' because it allows the state legislature to grant local governments new powers to restrict firearms. They fear this could lead to further erosion of state preemption, enabling more restrictive local gun laws in the future.

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