Following Testimony from Washington Moms Demand Action Volunteers, Senate’s Law and Justice Committee Passes Bill to Strengthen Gun Dealer Licensing and Inspections Requirements

OLYMPIA, Wash. - The Washington chapters of Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action, both part of Everytown for Gun Safety's grassroots network, issued the following statement after the Senate Committee on Law and Justice passed SB 5099. The measure, which now goes to the Senate Ways and Means committee, would require firearm dealers to be licensed by the State Patrol and require State Patrol to conduct regular inspections to ensure dealers are securing their inventory against theft, maintaining sales records to aid investigations of gun crimes, and training their employees to look for signs of straw purchasing.

"Firearm dealers are the first line of defense against gun trafficking, yet they're one of the least-regulated businesses in America - this bill would change that," said Kate Stockert, a volunteer with the Washington chapter of Moms Demand Action. "Making sure that gun stores are identifying straw purchasers will help prevent firearms from falling into the wrong hands, reducing senseless gun violence and restoring public trust in the lawful sale of firearms. We are grateful for the Senators who heard our testimonies and look forward to continuing to work together to protect Washington families from senseless acts of gun violence."

In addition to SB 5099, Washington Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action are pushing for a slate of gun safety bills. Tomorrow, the House's Civil Rights & Judiciary Committee is expected to vote on:

• HB 1163:Legislation requiring a permit to purchase firearms s.
• HB 1132: Legislation to restrict bulk purchasing of firearms and ammunition.
• HB 1152: Legislation to require firearm owners to store their guns locked in homes and vehicles when not in use.

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.