SEATTLE, WA – Today the Washington Senate Law & Justice Committee and the House Civil Rights & Judiciary Committee each held hearing on important gun responsibility priorities, kicking off another week of gun violence prevention hearings in Olympia. The Senate Law & Justice Committee heard testimony on SB 5181, which would temporarily restrict firearms access for individuals subject to a 72-hour involuntary hold, and SB 5205, which would prohibit people who have been found incompetent to stand trial and have a history of violence from purchasing or possessing firearms; meanwhile the House Civil Rights & Judiciary Committee held a hearing on HB 1315, which would establish training requirements for concealed pistol licenses.

“Gun responsibility is a major priority for Washingtonians, and our elected officials have taken note,” said Renee Hopkins, CEO of the Alliance for Gun Responsibility. “This week’s hearings continue to show that our legislators are committed to considering important measures and hearing from their constituents about the importance of stronger gun laws. Bills like those heard today and those that will be heard later this week are the kinds of measures that will help keep our state safer from gun violence.”

This week’s hearings follow hearings in the same committees last week. More than 2,000 people signed in for last week’s senate hearings on bills to restrict high-capacity magazines, prohibit untraceable and undetectable firearms, establish additional protections for victims of domestic violence, and require training for concealed pistol license applicants. The Senate Law & Justice Committee has already advanced each of the gun violence prevention priorities they heard last week. 

On Friday, the Senate Law & Justice Committee will hear additional gun violence prevention measures, including bills related to the risks lead ammunition poses to our state’s young people and empowering local authorities to restrict the open carry of firearms at government meetings.