As the 2025 Legislative Session Gavels In, Washington Lawmakers Must Build on TheirProgress and Pass Gun Safety Measures that Keep Guns Out of the Wrong Hands

Last November, Washington Voters Elected Gun Sense Champions Up and Down the Ballot, Led by Governor Bob Ferguson and Attorney General Nick Brown

OLYMPIA, Wash. - Today, Washington Lawmakers are set to gavel in the 2025 legislative session on the heels of the November election where voters across the state elected gun sense champions up and down the ballot. Now, lawmakers will have the opportunity to build on the progress made over recent years that has made Washington a national leader in the fight against gun violence by advancing legislation that would keep guns out of the wrong hands.

"As Donald Trump and NRA-backed extremists take over DC, we have to double down on our advocacy, we can't take our foot off the pedal," said Rebecca Elbaum, a volunteer with the Washington chapter of Moms Demand Action. "Now is the time to build on our progress and confront gun violence head-on by enacting measures that curb gun trafficking and straw purchasing and reduce gun suicides and unintentional shootings. This session, we're also calling on lawmakers to pass legislation to create a state requirement for training courses for state-licensed firearm dealers and their employees. We know that together, we can keep guns out of the wrong-hands like straw purchasers and deliver life-saving legislation to Governor Bob Ferguson's desk. Let's make it happen."

Here's a snapshot of the legislative priorities the Washington chapters of Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action are supporting:

• SB: 5099: Requiring State Firearm Dealer Compliance Inspections
• HB 1152: Requiring all Firearms to be Securely Stored When Not in Use
• HB 1163: Requiring a Permit to Purchase Firearms

In an average year, 935 people die by guns. With a rate of 11.7 deaths per 100,000 people, Washington has the 39th-highest rate of gun deaths in the US. Gun violence costs Washington $11.9 billion each year, of which $171.7 million is paid by taxpayers. More information about gun violence in Washington is available here.