MYNORTHWEST NEWS

What does ‘safe storage’ mean under Seattle’s new gun regulation?

Jul 11, 2018, 10:44 AM | Updated: 10:44 am

seattle gun control, safe storage, King County...

(File, Associated Press)

(File, Associated Press)

Seattle’s recently-approved safe storage regulation now requires gun owners to secure their firearms so they do not fall into the wrong hands.

RELATED: Study indicates majority of Washington gun owners do not safely store firearms

But what does safe storage mean? Can it simply be locked inside a home? Does it need a trigger lock? Do gun owners have to buy a safe? Or can they simply hide their weapons under a bed?

According to the ordinance unanimously approved by the Seattle City Council on July 9, safe storage is about more than how the weapon is kept.

The new rules state that a gun is to be secured in a “locked container,” but it also considers that a gun is stored properly if it is “under the control of the owner or other lawfully authorized user.” In other words, if a person is legally carrying their firearm, that is considered safely stored.

A “locked container” is defined as any storage device that meets rules set by the chief of police. What exactly those rules will be — a gun safe, etc. — are not yet known. What is known is that a trigger lock is not enough.

The ordinance states:

It shall be a civil infraction for any person to store or keep any firearm in any premises unless such weapon is secured in a locked container, properly engaged so as to render such weapon inaccessible or unusable to any person other than the owner or other lawfully authorized user. Notwithstanding the foregoing, for purposes of this Section 10.79.020, such weapon shall be deemed lawfully stored or lawfully kept if carried by or under the control of the owner or other lawfully authorized user.

A memo prepared by city staff points specifically to gun safes as a container. The memo notes that the requirement may impose an added cost for some Seattle residents who will need to purchase a container to lock their weapon inside. It explains this away by saying that some hospitals have gun locker giveaways. The city wants to encourage more giveaways and find more low-cost options.

Other terms in Seattle’s safe storage law

Lawfully authorized user: Any person who is not in unlawful possession of a firearm as defined in RCW 9.41.040; they are not prohibited from possessing a gun under any state or federal law; has permission from the gun owner to use the weapon.

At-risk person: A person who has made statements or exhibited behavior that indicates to a reasonable person there is a likelihood that the person is at risk of attempting suicide or causing physical harm to oneself or others.

Prohibited person: Someone who is not a lawfully authorized user.

MyNorthwest News

Image: A bridge in Carnation....

Julia Dallas

Carnation frustrated with Seattle again after 8th false emergency alarm induces widespread panic

Carnation citizens have faced a series of panic-inducing alarms after SPU's system for the Tolt Dam falsely sounded eight times.

1 hour ago

Grocery store shopper...

Bill Kaczaraba

Ways to deal with Seattle grocery store sticker shock

Seattle grocery store sticker shock continues to play havoc on locals, but there are ways to counter high prices.

1 hour ago

belltown hellcat social media...

Frank Sumrall

Infamous ‘Belltown Hellcat’ social media influencer charged with reckless driving

The social media influencer has been accused of driving 107 miles per hour through Belltown in a Dodge Hellcat.

2 hours ago

KIRO Newsradio gracie awards...

MyNorthwest Staff

KIRO Newsradio anchors receive Gracie Awards for outstanding work

Heather Bosch and Lisa Brooks, anchors at KIRO Newsradio, have been honored by the Alliance for Women in Media with prestigious Gracie Awards.

5 hours ago

Kia Boys...

Kate Stone and Bill Kaczaraba

‘Kia Boyz’ allegedly execute a crime spree in south King County

Renton police chased down a 14-and 16-year-old but are still looking for two other teen suspects in what they said was a "crime spree" in south King County.

6 hours ago

Spanaway woman shot dead...

Kate Stone

Search for shooter continues after woman shot dead while driving in Spanaway

A 47-year-old woman was shot dead in Spanaway, causing her to hit another driver head-on early Wednesday morning.

7 hours ago

What does ‘safe storage’ mean under Seattle’s new gun regulation?