Gun transfer bills introduced

OLYMPIA — State legislators announced on Monday that bills have been introduced in the House and Senate to regulate the purchase and transfer of firearms in Washington, according to a statement from Sen. Jesse Salomon (D-Shoreline) and Rep. Liz Berry (D-Seattle).

The bills, HB 1143 regarding permits, HB 1144 on training, and SB 5232, which encompasses both, require 10-day waiting periods on all gun purchases, as well as proof of firearms training, according to the statement. Firearms purchasers and transferees would be required to provide a firearms dealer with proof of completion of a certified firearms safety training program within the previous five years.

Legislation would also prohibit a dealer from transferring any firearm to a purchaser or transferee until 10 days after the request for a background check. Additionally, the package of bills requires permits for firearm purchases and applies firearms transfer applications and record-keeping requirements for all firearms, not just the currently-covered pistols and semiautomatic rifles.

Other changes include updating firearm transfer and background check processes to conform with the implementation of the state’s firearms background check program.

“These policies will save lives,” Salomon wrote in the statement. “We are tired of the devastating headlines from our communities here in Washington and across the country announcing the death of loved ones due to gun violence. There is no one bill that will solve this crisis, but preventing impulse buys by would-be killers, ensuring sufficient time to complete background checks, and requiring safety training to help reduce accidents and suicides are strong steps forward that will save lives.”