Legislative Alert – Capitol City Rifle and Pistol Club
January 1, 2025
Anti-2A Legislation Already Started
Three New Restrictive Gun Bills Pre-Filed Before Upcoming Session
On Christmas Eve, while you were enjoying being with family and friends, Democrats pre-filed bills to further take away your gun rights.
This is just the start, with the 2025 session of the legislature starting January 13, bar the door. There will be plenty of bills we’ll have to fight.
Gun Control Bills Pre-filed for 2025 session
These bills and other legislation affecting gun owners will be updated in future editions of the CCR&P Legislative Alerts. There will be hearings to attend and times to specially contact your legislators.
HB 1132
Limits bulk purchases and transfers of firearms and
ammunition. Only one firearm within 30 days, only
1,000 rounds per 30 days (100 rounds 50 cal).
Creates new records and financial penalties. Sponsored by Rep. Darya Farivar (Democrat-46, North Seattle).
SB 5098
Restricts possessing weapons in state or local public buildings, parks or playground facilities where children are likely to be present, swim beaches, skate parks, performing arts centers, county fairs, among others. Sponsored by Senator Javiar Valdez (Democrat-46, North Seattle).
SB 5099
Makes additional requirements for FFL businesses. Adds new WSP training and new penalties.
Sponsors: Senator John Lovick (Democrat-44, Snohomish County), and Senator Jamie Pedersen (Democrat-46, North Capitol Hill, U-District).
New Anti Gun Owner Laws from 2023-2024 Sessions
Enacted into law:
SHB 1240
Requires firearms-related safety training and restricts sale or transfer of semiautomatic assault rifles:
• No dealer may deliver a semiautomatic assault rifle to the purchaser until:
(1) the purchaser provides proof they have completed a recognized firearm safety training program within the last five years;
(2) the dealer is notified by the chief of police or sheriff that the purchaser is eligible to possess a firearm and the purchase is approved;
(3) 10 business days have elapsed since the purchase application or, in the case of a transfer, 10 business days have elapsed from the date a background check was initiated.
• The purchaser of a semiautomatic assault rifle must be personally known to the dealer or present clear evidence of his or her identity.
• A person under 21 years of age may not purchase a semiautomatic assault rifle, and no person may sell or transfer a semiautomatic assault rifle to a person under 21 years of age, subject to various exceptions.
Enacted in 2023. Co-sponsored by Representatives Jessica Bateman and Beth Doglio (D-Olympia).
Enacted into law:
2SSB 5444
The following locations are added to the list of designated places at which it is a gross misdemeanor for any person to enter while knowingly possessing a weapon:
• Zoos or aquariums accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums or the Zoological Association of America.
• Transit stations or transit facilities including all passenger facilities, structures, stops, shelters, bus zones, properties, and rights-of-way owned, leased held, or used by a transit authority for providing public transportation services. The definition of transit stations and facilities does not include transit vehicles.
These prohibitions do not apply to individuals who maintain a valid conceal carry permit, correctional personnel, or the activities of color guards and honor guards, including staging and logistical requirements, related to burial or internment ceremonies.
Enacted in 2023. Sponsored by Senator Sam Hunt (D-Lacey).
Enacted into law:
HB 1903
An owner or person lawfully in possession of a firearm who suffers the loss or theft of the firearm must report the loss or theft to the local law enforcement agency where the loss or theft occurred within 24 hours after the person first discovered the loss or theft. There is an exception to the 24-hour reporting requirement for good cause shown. The report must include, to the extent known:
• The firearm’s caliber, make, model, manufacturer, and serial number;
• Any other distinguishing number or identification mark on the firearm; and
• The circumstances of the loss or theft, including the date, place, and manner.
Enacted in 2024. Co-sponsored by Representatives Beth Doglio & Jessica Bateman (both D-Olympia).
Failed in 2024 session, but is refiled for 2025 session as HB 1132:
HB 2054
Attempted to limit a citizen right to buy a firearm to one gun per 30 day. A law very similar to text of this bill was held unconstitutional in a federal court earlier this year. Received a hearing in the House Committee on Civil Rights and Judiciary, but was not voted out of committee. The restrictive spirit of this 2024 legislation lives on in 2025 with HB 1132, outlined on page 1.
Failed in 2024. Co-sponsored by Representatives Beth Doglio & Jessica Bateman (both D-Olympia).
Restrictive New Laws Targeting Firearms Dealers
ESHB 2118
Established extensive security and surveillance requirements for firearm dealers in Washington. The extent of requirements are onerous to the viability of a firearms dealer business.
Enacted in 2024.
SSB 5078
Made it possible for firearm dealers to be sued by any person for a failure to use reasonable controls on the sale of a firearm.
Enacted in 2023. Co-sponsored by Senator Sam Hunt (D-Lacey).
Despite Court Challenges to 2022 Law,
High Capacity Magazines Still Cannot be Sold
Despite court challenges, Washington state law enacted in 2022 remains intact under a temporary stay, still prohibiting the sale of magazines that hold more than 10 rounds, while a State Supreme Court case is decided.
Challenges to this law come from Gator’s Custom Guns in Kelso, in response to Attorney General Bob Ferguson suing Gator’s, claiming the gun store was selling “high capacity magazines” as egregious violations after the ban went into effect.
Gator’s argued the law was unconstitutional, which was agreed by a Cowlitz County Judge in his ruling striking down the law, saying it violated both Washington and United States constitutions.
But the Judge’s ruling didn’t last long, only a couple hours. The Supreme Court issued a temporary stay while it considered the state’s appeal of the Cowlitz court decision.
The court has heard the parties, as well as the friend of the court briefs from the NRA, Goldwater Institute, Heller Foundation, America’s Future, US Constitutional Rights Legal Defense Fund, Conservative Legal Defense and Education Fund, Alliance for Gun Responsibility and the Brady Center to prevent Gun Violence, Gun Owners of America, the NAACP Area Conference and 2nd Amendment Foundation.
We still await a ruling from the State Supreme Court.
They Take Your Rights Because They Can
Current Political Outlook
With thick Democrat majorities in the House and Senate, and Democrat governors coming and going, attacks on gun owners rights will continue relentlessly. Why? Because they get away with it and don’t receive enough pushback to let bad bills die. The difference? How to fight legislation?
People speaking up — us people — make the difference. That comes from persistent voices, as many of us as we can spur to action – as constituents, we need to reach out and let our views be known. Particularly in District 22, which has a record of sponsoring and supporting bad legislation against gun owners. Those legislators need your emails and phone calls, courteously passing along the message to fight certain bills. Don’t let them ignore our rights.
Legislators sponsoring gun control bills (now laws) are shown here in italics. Please call and email your legislators. Address single pieces of legislation each time. Legislative Alerts will keep you briefed on new legislation in the coming weeks and how to connect about it. But your astute study of legislation helps you speak intelligibly. Read up about any bill at:
https://leg.wa.gov/bills-meetings-and-session/bills
Outlook provided by Charlie Kirry