CITIES AND TOWNS – FIREARMS – PREEMPTION - Authority of city to enact a local law prohibiting possession of firearms on city property or in city-owned facilities.
 
RCW 9.41.290 preempts a city’s authority to enact local laws that prohibit possession of firearms on city property or in city-owned facilities.

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October 13, 2008

Dear Senator Morton and Representative Van De Wege:
 
            By letter previously acknowledged, you have asked the following paraphrased question:
 
            Does a city in Washington have the authority to enact a local law that prohibits possession of firearms on city property or in city-owned facilities?

BRIEF ANSWER

            The answer to your question is no.  RCW 9.41.290 “fully occupies and preempts the entire field of firearms regulation” and preempts a city’s authority to adopt firearms laws or regulations of application to the general public, unless specifically authorized by state law.  Accordingly, RCW 9.41.290 preempts a city’s authority to enact local laws that prohibit possession of firearms on city property or in city-owned facilities.