Exemption Planned From State Gun Law Commissioners Want County To Opt Out Of Confusing Rules

Wed., Feb. 1, 1995

Adam Lynn Staff Writer

Spokane County commissioners plan to exempt unincorporated areas from a new state gun law, saying the legislation is too hard to enforce.

The law, which took effect in June, states that no person may carry a gun unless it is unloaded and enclosed in an opaque case or secure wrapper.

But there are 13 exceptions to the rule, which make it tough to interpret and enforce, Spokane County Sheriff John Goldman told commissioners Tuesday.

Those exempt from the law include law enforcement officers, people who are hunting, those who are taking their guns to a repair shop and people who are carrying guns on their own land.

The law also provides a provision for cities and counties to opt out of the rules.

Goldman said the law was passed because a man living in the suburbs of Seattle used to carry a hunting rifle around his neighborhood, frightening his neighbors.

When officials there discovered there was no law against doing that, the Legislature passed one.

It has been controversial since.

“I haven’t found a law enforcement officer yet who likes this law,” Commissioner Phil Harris said. “It’s just confusing as heck to us old country boys.”

Commissioner Steve Hasson said he doesn’t think it protects anyone.

Dean Mellberg, who went on a shooting rampage at Fairchild Air Force Base last year, would have been in compliance with the law because his gun was wrapped up as he traveled to the base, Hasson said.

“I just think it creates a false sense of security,” he said.

Several Eastern Washington cities and counties already have opted out of the rules, including Stevens County and the city of Deer Park.

Goldman said all law enforcement officials in the county, including those in the city of Spokane, agreed several months ago they should opt out of the law to keep things consistent throughout the county.

The Spokane City Council still is considering the proposal, Goldman said.

County commissioners plan a public hearing on the proposal in the next two weeks and then will make a decision.

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