(1) Definitions. As used in this section, the following words and phrases mean:

(a) Armor or armaments. Includes, but are not limited to, shields, body armor, tactical gear, tactical face coverings, and helmets.

(b) Firearm. A weapon or device from which a projectile or projectiles may be fired by an explosive such as gunpowder, whether loaded or unloaded.

(c) Weapon. Includes, but is not limited to, air guns, pellet guns, paint ball guns, or other pneumatic propellant devices, bows, crossbows, slingshots or other muscle powered projectile devices, daggers, swords, knives or other cutting or stabbing instruments with blades longer than three inches, clubs, bats, sand clubs, truncheons, metal knuckles, incendiary devices or materials, or any other objects or instruments apparently capable of producing bodily harm.

(2) Only such persons who are authorized to carry firearms, ammunition, or other weapons or armaments as duly appointed and commissioned law enforcement officers in the state of Washington, commissioned by agencies of the United States government, or authorized by contract with the university, shall possess firearms or other weapons or armaments issued for their possession by their respective law enforcement agencies or employers while on the campus or other university-controlled property, including, but not limited to, residence halls.

(3) Other than the law enforcement officers or other individuals referenced in subsection (2) of this section, individuals seeking to bring a firearm or other weapon onto campus, university-owned property, or a university sponsored event must obtain prior written authorization at the university public safety department, which shall have sole authority to review and approve any such request and, if approval is granted, establish conditions to the firearm or weapon authorization.

(4) Members of the campus community and visitors who bring firearms or other weapons or armaments to campus without prior authorization must immediately remove them from university property or place the firearm(s), weapon(s), or armament(s) in the university provided storage facility. The storage facility is located at the university public safety department and is accessible 24 hours per day.

(5) Possession of a valid concealed pistol license authorized by the state of Washington is not an exemption under this section. However, nothing in this section shall prevent an individual holding a valid concealed pistol license from securing their pistol in a vehicle as authorized under RCW 9.41.050.

(6) Except for those persons identified in subsection (2) of this section or under the circumstances described in subsection (3) or (4) of this section, possession of firearms, ammunition, fireworks, and explosives is prohibited on the university campus, university-owned property, and at university sponsored events. No one may possess fireworks or explosives unless certified or licensed to do so for purposes of conducting university-authorized activities, building construction or demolition.

(7) Some items including, but not limited to, sports equipment, kitchen utensils, laboratory materials and equipment, personal protective equipment, safety training equipment, costume/theatrical masks, and props in campus theatre productions are permitted when used for the purpose for which they are intended. Use of weapons, armor, or armaments in a manner, under circumstances, and at a time and place that either manifests an intent to intimidate another or that warrants alarm for the safety of other persons or property, or in any way to avoid apprehension for a criminal act or acts is prohibited.

(8) Violations of this section are subject to appropriate disciplinary or legal action.