CCW, School Premises in Washington State?

[carnaby]

I'm going to go see a high school football game tonight in Shoreline with my son, and I'm curious if the football stadium facility is part of the school premises? Says here I can't carry on school premises, and I assume, unless someone has compelling evidence to the contrary, that the football field/stands are part of said premises.

(1) It is unlawful for a person to carry onto, or to possess on, public or private elementary or secondary school premises, school-provided transportation, or areas of facilities while being used exclusively by public or private schools:

(a) Any firearm;

Anyone know for sure? Sure wish Washington State had Oregon's school carry laws.

 

[Helstrm]

Not sure in your state but in my state that is considered school property.

or areas of facilities while being used exclusively by public or private schools:

I just read that again.. Nope you can't

 

[carnaby]

That's what I figured, darn it. At least I can keep it in my vehicle while I attend the game, I think. Stupid gun free school zone laws.

 

[jrfoxx]

I was stationed in WAshington state for 2 years and had a Washington CPL the whole time, and "areas of facilities while being used exclusively by public or private schools" is off limits even with a CPL, unless you are picking up or dropping off a student and have a WA CpL.Dumb law, but thats what it is.

See RCW 9.41.280 linked here:http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=9.41.280 Section 1, and subsection e refers to the "school event" and CPL statements I made, but the whole thing is worth a read and good info to know.

 

[carnaby]

Now I'm uncertain about the "picking up or dropping off" bit. How about when I got to drop off my son, but we arrive 10 minutes early, so I watch as he plays in the playground for a few minutes. Then I walk him to class and leave. Is that considered "dropping off?" Can I be around/inside the school with a pistol in that scenario? It would be nice if they'd clarify this stuff, unless it is already clear and I'm just being paranoid.

Note that they do have the prerequisit no knife, no pistol, "weapon free zone" signs at the entrances. Argh!

 

[deadin]

I believe "picking up/dropping off" means you don't get out of your vehicle.

Dean

 

[carnaby]

I'm inclined to think you might be correct, but also not

(3) Subsection (1) [no firearms on school property] of this section does not apply to:

....

(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 picking up or dropping off a student;

Nowhere do they define "picking up or dropping off." I dropped off my son the other day, and this involved the scenario listed above. It's pretty frustrating when they do not define their terms. I guess I'll have to make some phone calls.

 

[Wiley]

carnaby: At least I can keep it in my vehicle while I attend the game, I think.

I'd double check on that. Most of the school laws seem to be similar in that they are no guns, no where, no how on school property or at functions. Includes parking lots and your car.

 

[thpa]

Unfortunately I also checked into the same isue here in PA. I wanted to attend a High School football game that was a not located on the school proper but at a football stadium on the other end of town. What I had discovered is that as long as it is owned by the school it is off limits.
My decision was that I would not leave myself unprotected so I just opt not to attend.

 

[Blackfork]

Safe Schools

If schools are going to seem and BE safer, this is something that has to change. CCLs ought to be legal on campus by anyone.

 

[Autolycus]

What about colleges? Anyone got any information about state schools? Specifically the University of Washington? I am interested as I might be transfering there in January.

 

[carnaby]

Here we go, I think I can answer my own questions. First, about having a pistol in my parked car while I'm at school:

(3) Subsection (1) of this section does not apply to:

...

(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;

So, as long as I'm NOT a student, I can keep a pistol in my car as long as I'm "conducting legitimate business at the school," e.g. attending a football game. And there's no restriction as to loaded/unloaded. Second, about "picking up or dropping off" also from subsection (3) above:

(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 picking up or dropping off a student;

Subsubsection (e) is totally redundant, in light of subsubsection (f), if "picking up or dropping off" refers to the CCW holder remaining in a vehicle. Hence, I read "picking up or dropping off" in its broadest sense to include me walking my son to school and dropping him off at his classroom door, or picking him up in the same manner. How else could it be without strict legal clarification?

 

[carnaby]

Dang it, I'm wrong. I read further, duh, and noticed this

(5) 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.

Damn! So I suppose that I can take my son to school, even on foot, and go on school property, just not inside the actual school building. Dang I wish we had Oregon's school carry permited status.

Besides that, how does including (f) above make any sense. What, I'm going to drive my car into a school building? I suppose if they have a crazy garage or something.

 

[kengrubb]

What about colleges? Anyone got any information about state schools? Specifically the University of Washington?

That's covered under Washington Administrative Code or WAC--specifically WAC 478-124-020.

The issue is currently being kicked around on WA-CCW.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/wa-ccw/message/39804

If you're 21, you can get a Washington Concealed Pistol License. You don't have to be a state resident, no home state license required, and no training requirement.

I worked at the UW in C&C for a little over a year. Thought I wanted to settle into stability, but I was mistaken so I re-entered the cutthroat brigandry of private sector IT. Anyways, I've talked to a couple of folks who tell me that while it may not be a "Shall Issue" matter, it's not unheard of for either a student or a faculty member to have written permission to carry on campus.

I was toying with asking, but then I up and left. With 40K students, it's easy for one wacky student to get away with asking, being told no, and no one being the wiser. As professional staff, and working for a group with a relatively high profile, or notoriety, I was concerned about getting single out and "punished" for my evil gunowner ways.

 

[Autolycus]

Hopefully I will get accpeted. Its my ideal school and then I will go ask. I will come up with something about having to ride the bus to work after class and then from there home late at night.