Following Testimony by Washington Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action Volunteers, Senate Law and Justice Committee Advances Gun Safety Legislation 

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 statement celebrating the committee passage of HB 1903, HB 2021, and HB 2118. The measures aim to improve the reporting of lost and stolen guns, prevent firearms obtained through buyback programs from being resold, and implement a gun dealer code of conduct, respectively. The measures now head to the Senate Rules Committee for consideration. 

“These measures build on the progress made last year and continue Washington’s legacy of tackling gun violence from every angle,” said Erin Sloane, a volunteer with the Washington chapter of Moms Demand Action. “From helping law enforcement officials solve gun crimes to implementing a code of conduct for gun dealers, these bills will give Washington families more peace of mind. As gun violence continues to be the leading cause of death for children and teens in this country, we cannot let our guard down now. We look forward to working with the rest of the Senate and to send these measures to the Governor’s desk.” 

A snapshot of the gun safety measures advanced today:

• 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 2021: Legislation to ensure that firearms obtained through buyback programs are fully destroyed so parts cannot be resold.
• 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.

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.