Protect Washington’s Wildlife, Youth Programs and Public Lands:
Senate Bill 5098 poses a significant threat to the outdoor recreational activities of millions of Washingtonians. The overly broad language of this legislation could limit access for hunters and anglers to nearly 1/3 of Washington's public lands - a staggering 6.1 million acres.
This bill was initially proposed to restrict firearm possession in public locations where children are present. It was fully understood until recently that the broad language of this bill could have far-reaching consequences that are likely to significantly harm Washington hunters, anglers, and other outdoor recreationalists.
This bill does not only threaten firearm possession in these public locations but also other “weapons,” including knives and other tools. The restrictions imposed by SB 5098 would render public lands unusable and inaccessible for hunters and anglers due to open firearm carry and knife restrictions. The bill's provisions would hinder the ability to legally pass through weapon-restricted areas, including in a vehicle. Public or WDFW access beaches, ramps, and docks will be impacted. This bill could mean an end to youth competitive shooting teams and general/any age firearms training classes that take place on public lands or facilities. Your outdoor gatherings on public lands and parks could be affected as knives are needed tools for food prep in public parks for picnics, gatherings, etc. The management and maintenance of public forests and parks could also be put at risk as the tools forest workers and trail maintenance crews will also be restricted. The verbiage of this makes it uncertain whether our youth will be legally able to hunt or fish on our public lands and have a future to participate in the traditions and heritage of the sportsmen and women that have come before them.
This bill has passed through the state senate and is headed towards the floor. It is crucial that we let WA house representatives know the full impacts and unintended consequences that this bill may have on sportsmen, everyday Washingtonians, and especially our youth. Senate Bill 5098 must be stopped from reaching the governor’s desk.
End SB 5098
https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5098&Initiative=False&Year=2025https://www.howlforwildlife.org/sb5098?utm_campaign=1st_week_of_april_2025&utm_medium=email&utm_source=howlforwildlife
