OLYMPIA, WA (May 10, 2017) — Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC) applauded Washington Governor Jay Inslee’s approval of Senate Bill 5552 today, which was passed by the state legislature on a unanimous vote. Prior to passage, the bill was amended to include new FPC-supported exemptions to I-594 transfer restrictions for law-abiding gun owners.

“While this bill is not a complete fix of everything we’ve outlined as problematic with the I-594 firearms transfer law,” explained FPC’s Pacific Northwest Legislative Advocate Philip Watson, “it is an important step forward for bipartisan support of Second Amendment civil rights in Washington State.”

“We’re thankful that some common sense prevailed with this bill, and we look forward to further cooperation with lawmakers and stakeholders in repealing laws that would serve no purpose but to harm honest citizens and gun owners.”

 In signing the bill, the Governor 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 security guards, employees, and volunteers 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 Senators Pedersen, Zeiger, Frockt, O’Ban, Takko, Fain, and Hobbs – SB 5552’s sponsors – and Senate Law and Justice Committee Chairman Mike Padden for marshalling the bill through to a successful vote.

 “SB 5552 is yet another example of FPC members and supporters making a difference in the effort to advance the right to keep and bear arms,” Watson concluded.