Washington: Gun Control Bills Passed Out of Committee

It has been a busy week in Washington, with two anti-gun bills being advanced out of their respective policy committees.

On Wednesday, the House Civil Rights and Judiciary Committee passed SB 5098, "gun-free" zone expansion, out of the policy committee. Then again yesterday, the Senate Law and Justice Committee passed HB 1163, a permit to purchase scheme, out of the policy committee. Both bills are expected to be assigned to additional committees for review.

Senate Bill 5098 prohibits the possession of firearms in parks, government buildings, and locations where “children are likely to be present.” While the legislation was amended to exempt concealed pistol license holders, the vague language could be interpreted and applied to interfere with hunting and recreational shooting opportunities. This overbroad language is indicative of the disdain anti-gun legislators have for law-abiding citizens and their desire to turn the entire state of Washington into a "gun-free" zone. 

House Bill 1163 establishes a permit to purchase scheme requiring government permission to purchase or transfer a firearm, adds a live-fire training component, and establishes an illegal government registry of firearm owners and their personal information. An amendment was added in the House Appropriations Committee that if funding is not appropriated for HB 1163's permit scheme by June 30th, 2025, the bill will be null and void.

Please stay tuned to the NRA-ILA website for updates as this legislation progresses.