OLYMPIA — On Wednesday, Gov. Jay Inslee signed HB 1630 to prohibit open carry at city and county council meetings, as well as restrict the possession of guns at school board meetings and ballot counting centers. The bill was sponsored by Rep. Tana Senn, D-Mercer Island.
“There is no place for fear or armed intimidation within our communities. Our democracy depends on our critical actions today to defend the right to a safe, open government—by the people and for the people,” said Rep. April Berg, D-Mill Creek, HB 1630 co-sponsor.
Earlier this session, Berg introduced legislation to prohibit weapons at elections offices, an idea that was ultimately incorporated into HB 1630.
“Elections workers, local officials, and school board members deserve safety while they serve our communities,” continued Berg, a former Everett school board member. “We don’t need to carry weapons to voice our opinions. Upholding civil discourse is the key to protecting the integrity of our democracy.
More than 80% of local elected officials have experienced harassment, threats, and violence, with incidents worsening since the start of the pandemic, according to a national survey.