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VICTORY FOR GUN SAFETY: Following Advocacy from Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action Volunteers, Washington House Passes Legislation to Help Hold the Firearm Industry Accountable for Role in Gun Violence Crisis

4.10.2023

OLYMPIA, Wash. —Washington Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action, both part of Everytown for Gun Safety’s grassroots network, released the following statement after House lawmakers voted to advance common-sense gun safety legislation. SB 5078 sponsored by gun sense champion Senator Jamie Pedersen, would  increase accountability within the firearm industry for business practices that contribute to the gun-violence crisis. The legislation would help hold bad actors in the firearm industry accountable for misconduct that results in harm to Washington residents. The bill will be concurred in the Senate and then head to Governor Jay Inslee’s desk for signature. 

“It’s time to hold the gun industry accountable for their role in the gun violence crisis,”said Jan Weissel, a volunteer with the Washington chapter of Moms Demand Action.  “Our communities are being devastated by gun violence while the gun industry is profiting from pouring deadly weapons onto our streets. We are grateful for Senator Jamie Pedersen and every member of the legislature for their leadership and commitment to protecting the well-being of Washington families. We look forward to continuing to work with gun sense champions at every level to make Washington a national leader in the fight against gun violence.” 

Since 2005, federal law has shielded gun manufacturers and dealers from most lawsuits – unlike any other industry in this country, the firearm industry has been shielded from accountability for business practices that threaten public safety and put lives at risk. But i is impossible to deny how the firearm industry has helped worsen gun violence — highlighting the need for gun industry accountability at the state and national level. 

The passage of SB 5078 comes just days after the Senate lawmakers voted in favor of HB 1240, which would prohibit the sale and manufacture of assault weapons in the state, including assault-style rifles, and HB 1143, which would require people to undergo safety training and a 10-day waiting period before purchasing any firearm. After being concurred, both bills will go to Governor Jay Inslee’s desk.

Statistics about gun violence in Washington are available here, and Everytown’s Gun Law Rankings – which shows how Washington’s gun laws compare to those of other states – is available here. If you are interested in speaking with a Washington Moms Demand Action or Students Demand Action volunteer, please reach out to [email protected].