2 weeks Ago
OLYMPIA, Wash. — Washington state could see tighter gun laws if Governor Bob Ferguson signs a new bill outlining additional requirements for those hoping to buy a gun. House Bill 1163 seeks to make gun laws stricter by requiring a permit from Washington State Patrol to purchase a gun and requiring buyers to complete live-fire training.
The bill also establishes guidelines and requires recordkeeping for transferring ownership of firearms. The bill was first filed in January and referred to the House Committee on Civil Rights and Judiciary. Public testimony in January brought a mix of opinions, with some saying it would violate Second Amendment rights, while others were in favor of tightening the laws as gun violence surges across the nation.
It passed out of the House in March with a 58-38 vote and was referred to the Senate and its Law and Justice Committee. On Monday, April 14, the Senate passed the bill with a 29-19 vote. The bill now heads to the governor's desk for him to sign into law or send it back to the legislature for further amendment.
The full text of the bill can be read below:.
