Washington: Numerous Bills Moving Through Washington House Committee

On Thursday, February 9, the House Judiciary Committee is scheduled to consider and vote on House Bill 1483.  Sponsored by state Representative Tana Senn, HB 1483 would allow for the destruction of all firearms confiscated by or forfeited to the Washington State Patrol.  Like other seized items, these firearms should be sold by law-enforcement to generate revenue instead of spending money to have them destroyed.  Please contact members of the House Judiciary Committee and urge them to OPPOSE HB 1483 when it comes up for a vote.

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Last Thursday, February 2, an amended version of House Bill 1384 was passed out of the House Judiciary Committee with a do-pass recommendation.  As introduced, House Bill 1384 would have changed the existing statutory framework for “Sexual Assault Protection Orders” (SAPO) to authorize a new “permanent” order with no expiration date, which could result in a permanent removal of your Second Amendment rights without due process.  The amended version of the bill would allow someone who has a Sexual Assault Protective Order issued against them to petition the court to have their firearms rights restored after one year.

While the amended version of House Bill 1384 is somewhat less egregious than the original bill, NRA-ILA remains opposed to this proposed piece of legislation because this bill shifts the burden of proof onto the respondent and away from the petitioner.  Under this amended version, the individual petitioning to have their rights restored isn't even guaranteed a hearing, as the judge could deny the motion to hear the individual’s case.  If the individual is granted a hearing, the burden would be on the individual to prove there has been a "material change" in circumstances in order for their rights to be restored.

NRA-ILA remains opposed to this proposed piece of legislation as your constitutional rights should not be vacated without due process.  Please contact your state Representative and politely urge them to oppose House Bill 1384 when it comes up for a vote.

You can read the amendments to HB 1384 HERE.

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House Bill 1387 and House Bill 1122 also received a committee hearing in the House Judiciary committee last Thursday, however no vote was taken.  House Bill 1387 would impose an annual registration and licensing system on the most popular and commonly owned semi-automatic firearms sold today by classifying them as “assault weapons.”  In addition, it would prohibit the sale and transfer of standard capacity ammunition magazines labeling them as “large-capacity magazines.”  The transfer and sale of these firearms and magazines would be prohibited to anyone other than a federally licensed firearms dealer, a gunsmith or to law enforcement for destruction.

House Bill 1122 would mandate that firearm owners lock up their firearms at all times when not in use.  At this time, no further hearing or vote has been scheduled but it is important for you to continue contacting members of the House Judiciary Committee and urge them to vote “NO” on these egregious bills.  For more information about House Bill 1387 and House Bill 1122, please refer to our previous alert.