Seattle, WA Firearms: Local Firearms Preemption (2026)
Key Facts
- Statute
- RCW 9.41.290
- Seattle storage law
- SMC 10.79
- Parks ban
- Struck down 2010
- I-1639
- Statewide storage rule
Summary
Washington RCW 9.41.290 reserves firearms regulation to the state, blocking most city-level gun rules. Seattle has tested narrow ordinances on storage and parks, but courts have struck several down under the preemption statute.
RCW 9.41.290 — State preemption. The state of Washington hereby fully occupies and preempts the entire field of firearms regulation within the boundaries of the state, including the registration, licensing, possession, purchase, sale, acquisition, transfer, discharge, and transportation of firearms, or any other element relating to firearms or parts thereof, including ammunition and reloader components. Cities, towns, and counties or other municipalities may enact only those laws and ordinances relating to firearms that are specifically authorized by state law, as in RCW 9.41.300, and are consistent with this chapter. Such local ordinances shall have the same penalty as provided for by state law. Local laws and ordinances that are inconsistent with, more restrictive than, or exceed the requirements of state law shall not be enacted and are preempted and repealed, regardless of the nature of the code, charter, or home rule status of such city, town, county, or municipality. [1994 sp.s. c 7 s 428; 1985 c 428 s 1; 1983 c 232 s 12.]
Full Breakdown
Washington's firearms preemption statute, RCW 9.41.290, declares that the state fully occupies the field of firearms regulation. Cities may not enact ordinances on registration, possession, transfer, or carry that exceed state law. Seattle has attempted narrow rules: a 2009 parks gun ban was invalidated, and the 2018 Safe Storage Ordinance (SMC 10.79) survived an initial challenge but remains contested. Voter initiative I-1639 added some statewide storage rules. Local rules limited to discharge zones, building security, or employer policies on city property generally survive preemption.
Violations & Fines
Local gun rules conflicting with state law are unenforceable; violations of valid Seattle storage rules can result in civil infractions or misdemeanor charges if firearm is accessed by a prohibited person.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Seattle ban guns in parks?
Is Seattle's safe storage ordinance valid?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Seattle
Compare Seattle to another location·View the Washington firearms overview
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