ICYMI WASHINGTON’S BIG WEEK FOR GUN SAFETY: Following Advocacy from Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action Volunteers, Legislature Passes Life-Saving Measures
3.1.2024
OLYMPIA, WA. — The Washington chapters of Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action, both part of Everytown for Gun Safety’s grassroots networks, issued the following statements celebrating the passage of various gun safety bills, including a bill requiring gun dealers to secure their inventory against theft, have general liability insurance, and maintain sales records to aid investigations of gun crimes. The measures now head to concurrence and others directly to Governor Jay Inslee’s desk.
“Without a doubt, Washington families will be safer thanks to these lifesaving measures,” said Sue Shutz, a volunteer with the Washington chapter of Moms Demand Action. “Since the beginning of session, our grassroots movement has pushed to build on the progress of last year and thanks to the work of our gun sense champions we are sending comprehensive common-sense gun safety solutions to the governor’s desk. We are grateful for the work of this legislature and look forward to continuing working with our gun sense champions to protect Washington from senseless acts of gun violence.”
“When guns are the leading cause of death for my generation, this is exactly the kind of energy we need from our lawmakers to address this crisis,” said Halle Norenberg, a volunteer leader with the University of Washington Students Demand Action chapter. “All young people want is to grow up and go to school in a safe environment, and these laws can bring us one step closer to that reality. We can’t thank Washington’s gun-sense majority enough for continuing to put our lives over the gun lobby’s agenda.”
Here’s a snapshot and status of the gun safety measures passed this week:
- HEADED TO GOVERNOR’S DESK: HB 2021: Legislation to ensure that firearms obtained through buyback programs are fully destroyed so parts cannot be resold and removing limitations that limited Washington State Patrol’s ability to destroy guns.
- CONCURRENCE:
- HB 1903: Legislation to require the reporting of lost and stolen firearms, which are often diverted to people prohibited from having guns and end up being used in violent crimes.
- HB 2118: Legislation creating a robust code of conduct for licensed gun dealers in Washington State, to ensure they take steps to keep guns off the illegal market and out of the hands of people who shouldn’t have them. The bill requires gun dealers to secure their inventory against theft, have general liability insurance, and maintain sales records to aid investigations of gun crimes.
- SB 5444: Legislation to expand the state’s sensitive locations to prohibit open carry of firearms in public transit facilities, libraries, zoos and aquariums.
Washington is among the top 10 states in terms of gun law strength. In an average year, 853 people die by guns in Washington. With a rate of 10.8 deaths per 100,000 people, Washington has the 40th-highest rate of gun deaths in the US. More information about gun violence in Washington is available here.