OLYMPIA, WA (February 23, 2017) — Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC) applauded the passage of Washington Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5552 today, which was moved forward by the Senate in a unanimous 49-0 vote. Prior to passage, the bill was amended to include a new FPC-supported exemption to the state’s firearm transfer restrictions for law-abiding gun owners.

Said FPC’s Legislative Advocate Philip Watson of the Senate’s vote today, “While this bill is not a complete fix of everything we’ve outlined as problematic with the I-594 firearms transfer law, it is an important start for bipartisan cooperation on Second Amendment civil rights issues.”

“We’re thankful that common sense prevailed in the Senate, and now we look forward to working in the House to get this bill passed, hopefully with some additional amendments.”

In passing the bill, the Senate approved the following reforms on laws relating to firearm transfers:

• Restores the ability of federally-licensed collectors of curios and relics to conduct normal activities under federal guidance when the item is defined as a curio or relic under the federal law;

• Restores the ability of licensed security guards and business employees to conduct normal business;

• Expands the formerly narrow definition of “family member” for the purpose of transfers;     

• Exempts transfers for the prevention of suicide and self-inflicted bodily injury; and,  

• Exempts transfers when in the actual presence of the owner.

 FPC thanks the sponsors of SB 5552 and Senate Law and Justice Chairman Mike Padden for marshalling the bill through to a successful vote. Support from FPC members and supporters continues to make a difference in the effort to pass favorable firearms rights legislation on the state and national level. 

 Firearms Policy Coalition (www.firearmspolicy.org) is a 501(c)4 grassroots nonprofit organization. FPC’s mission is to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States, especially the fundamental, individual Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms.