(The Center Square) – Open carry laws concerning firearms are once again on the agenda for some Washington state lawmakers.
This year, Republicans appear to have support across the aisle for Senate Bill 6033 to allow for ceremonial open carry on the Capitol Campus.
“Our primary focus is to provide honor to our members laid to rest, but we also represent many veteran events such as Welcome Home Vietnam War Veterans ceremonies, POW and MIA day and others,” lan Acosta with the Veterans Legislative Coalition told the Senate Law & Justice Committee on Monday.
He said providing proper honors during these events is a long-time tradition and should not be altered.
“The rifles in formation represent protecting our flag,” he said. “Our ceremonial rifles are different from our funeral rifles. They are painted white, and the rifle bolts and the cartridge are rendered useless.”
Sen. John Braun, R-Centralia, who sponsored the bill, said, “I think you’ve seen this SB 6033 before, and this is just about allowing certain ceremonial guards to carry non-functional weapons.”
Committee chair and Senate Majority Leader Manka Dhingra, D-Redmond, responded, “Yes we have passed this bill before, so we’ll see.”
SB 6033 comes amid several new pieces of legislation introduced by majority party Democrats meant to reduce firearm violence in Washington. Hearings on the various bills have been packed with both supporters and detractors.
