Washington: Suppressor Bill Enacted as the 2011 Legislative Session Adjourns

The Washington Legislature adjourned on April 24 with Governor Christine Gregoire signing into law one pro-gun bill.  Several other pro-gun measures are still pending and will carry over to the 2012 legislative session.

House Bill 1016, sponsored by state Representative Brian Blake (D-19), legalized the use of firearm suppressors.  This bill was signed into law on April 11 and went into effect on July 22.

The following bills have not yet passed and will carry over to the 2012 session:

House Bill 1066, sponsored by state Representative Barbara Bailey (R-10), would modify the law regarding the storage of black powder.  HB 1066 was heard in the House Judiciary Committee, but never received a vote.

House Bill 1238, sponsored by state Representative Ed Orcutt (R-18), would lower the age for Concealed Pistol License qualification from 21 to 18.  This bill was assigned to the House Judiciary Committee, but never considered by the committee.

House Bill 1400, sponsored by state Representative Charles Ross (R-14), would allow firearms to be carried on snowmobiles under certain circumstances.  HB 1400 was also assigned to the House Judiciary Committee, but did not receive a hearing.

House Bill 1508, sponsored by state Representative Dean Takko (D-19), would protect existing shooting ranges from nuisance actions due to noise.  This bill was assigned to the House Judiciary Committee, but never heard.

House Bill 2098, sponsored by state Representative Brian Blake (D-19), would legalize the possession, transportation, acquisition and transfer of short-barreled rifles in accordance with federal law.  This bill was also assigned to the House Judiciary Committee, but never heard.

House Bill 2099, also sponsored by state Representative Blake, would legalize the possession, transportation, acquisition and transfer of short-barreled rifles and shotguns in accordance with federal law.  HB 2099 was assigned to the House Judiciary Committee, but did not receive a hearing.

Senate Bill 5356, sponsored state Senator Bob Morton (R-7), would allow the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Commission to authorize the use of dogs to take cougars in certain circumstances.  SB 5356 passed in the Senate by a 37 to 11 vote.  This bill also passed in the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee by a 7 to 6 vote, but was never considered on the House floor.  Its companion bill, House Bill 1124, sponsored by state Representative Brian Blake (D-19), also passed in committee but was never considered on the House floor.

Senate Bill 5418, sponsored by state Senator Randi Becker (R-2), would provide that when it comes to self-defense, there is no duty to retreat from any place a person has a legal right to be.  SB 5418 was assigned to the Senate Judiciary Committee, but did not receive a hearing.