Washington Republicans push back against gun bill AG Brown believes will save lives

A bill expanding requirements for prospective gun buyers passed the Senate Law and Justice Committee on a party-line vote Thursday, reported The Washington State Standard.

Second Substitute House Bill 1163 (E2SHB 1163), backed by Washington Attorney General Nick Brown, would require gun buyers to apply for a five-year permit from the Washington State Patrol. To get the permit, applicants would have to complete a certified firearms safety training within the past five years, The Washington State Standard explained.

The media outlet added that if the person completed the safety course, the state would have to issue the permit unless the person is barred from having guns, on bond awaiting trial or sentencing on felony charges, or the subject of an arrest warrant. The state would then issue the permit within 30 days unless the person doesn’t have a state ID, which would take 60 days. However, there would be exceptions for police officers and active military.

AG Brown believes gun bill will save lives

Brown, according to The Washington State Standard, believes the measure will save lives.

“We are not doing enough currently to protect people,” Brown told a state Senate committee Tuesday, reported the media outlet. “Washington has already introduced components of a robust permitting system. House Bill 1163 would build on that progress.”

Finley Gonzales of the Kamiak High School chapter of Students Demand Action also thinks the bill will enhance public safety.

“It’s encouraging to see our lawmakers continue to prioritize gun safety and address America’s gun violence crisis with the urgency it deserves,” Gonzales said, according to The Washington State Standard. “Permit to purchase is a key component of responsible gun ownership. This policy is something everyone should be able to get behind because it makes our communities safer.”

Republicans argue gun bill infringes on Constitution

Republicans, according to The Center Square, argue the bill violates gun rights protected by the Constitution. Critics also believe the bill will cost hundreds of dollars and take weeks before someone can buy a gun.

“To be rather blunt about this, I think this is another imprudent piece of legislation that probably will pass out of committee today, but I want to be real clear about it — I don’t think this will survive the brewing historical analog test,” Senator Jeff Holy, R-Cheney, said during Thursday’s Senate Law and Justice Committee meeting. “I could pretty much guarantee litigation is going to immediately come forward once this bill does pass both Chambers.”

Holy, added the media outlet, believes the cost of buying a firearm and taking a safety course is too much of a burden.

“The cost of the permit we’re talking about here is, we’re guessing, maybe $200,” Holy said, as reported by The Center Square. “It’s going to disproportionately impact lower and middle-income people. The last thing we’re going to want to have is people with a need for self-protection to have to go off-market and buy guns from inappropriate sources.”

The media outlet stated that Keith Wagoner, R-Sedro-Woolley, noted the Washington State Patrol would be responsible for issuing permits and certifying the programs. WSP told Wagoner they would not be present during the discussion of the bill at the Senate Ways and Means Committee.

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