Today, NRA-backed legislation that would prohibit employers from preventing employees from lawfully storing firearms in their locked personal vehicles passed in the state House Judiciary Committee by a 10 to 2 vote. Introduced by House Speaker Val Rausch (R-4) and sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Russell Olson (R-8), House Bill 1132 is one of the NRA’s top priorities in this legislative session. At this time, this legislation has not been scheduled for consideration on the House floor.
On a daily basis, employees have various lawful reasons for carrying a firearm and are often forced to secure that firearm in their vehicle while at work. Employees, who carry a firearm for self-defense on their commute and those who go hunting or target shooting, either before or after work, should not be faced with the possibility of losing their jobs because of a workplace policy that deprives them of their Second Amendment rights. HB 1132 seeks only to allow employees to safely store these firearms in their locked personal vehicle, guarantee their fundamental, constitutional rights and remove the fear of being fired.
Thank you to all those who contacted the committee members in support of this legislation and please continue to check your e-mail and www.NRAILA.org for future updates on HB 1132 and other legislation.