OLYMPIA, Wash. - Today, the Washington House Civil Rights & Judiciary Committee held a hearing on HB 2320, legislation to strengthen Washington's ghost gun law and address the growing threat of untraceable, 3D-printed firearms.

Ghost guns are unserialized, untraceable firearms that can be made without a background check, allowing people prohibited from possessing guns, and even children, to bypass Washington's gun safety laws. HB 2320 modernizes state law to keep pace with rapidly evolving technology that undermines public safety.

"Today's hearing highlighted a critical policy in keeping Washington communities safe," said Jenine Lewis, a Moms Demand Action volunteer in Washington who testified in support of HB 2320. Lewis' son Elijah L. Lewis was murdered April 1, 2023 by a man with a ghost gun. "Ghost guns and 3D-printed firearms are a growing threat because they allow people to bypass background checks and other lifesaving gun safety laws. We urge lawmakers to advance HB 2320 to stop the spread of 3D-printed guns before more people are harmed."

HB 2320 strengthens Washington's existing ghost gun statute by addressing 3D-printed firearms, digital gun blueprints, and equipment marketed for at-home gun manufacturing, all of which undermine the state's background check system and make guns impossible to trace when they are used in crimes.

Untraceable ghost guns eliminate one of law enforcement's most important investigative tools - gun tracing - making it harder to solve crimes and prevent future violence. Advocates are urging lawmakers to move quickly to pass HB 2320 and ensure Washington's gun safety laws keep pace with modern technology.

HB 2320 now awaits a vote from the committee in order to move forward in the legislative process to pass the bill and protect Washington communities.