HOUSE BILL REPORT

HB 1934

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

As Passed House:

March 6, 2019

Title: An act relating to renewal of a concealed pistol license by members of the armed forces.

Brief Description: Renewing a concealed pistol license by members of the armed forces.

Sponsors: Representatives Caldier, Kilduff, Mosbrucker, Irwin, Pollet, Chapman, Leavitt and Van Werven.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:

Civil Rights & Judiciary: 2/19/19, 2/22/19 [DP].

Floor Activity:

Passed House: 3/6/19, 97-0.

Brief Summary of Bill

Requires local law enforcement agencies to establish a mail application process, and allows them to develop an online process, for the renewal of a concealed pistol license for a member of the Armed Forces who is deployed for out-of-state military service.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON CIVIL RIGHTS & JUDICIARY

Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 15 members: Representatives Jinkins, Chair; Thai, Vice Chair; Irwin, Ranking Minority Member; Dufault, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Goodman, Graham, Hansen, Kilduff, Kirby, Klippert, Orwall, Shea, Valdez, Walen and Ybarra.

Staff: Edie Adams (786-7180).

Background:

It is generally unlawful for a person to carry a pistol concealed on his or her person, except in the person's abode or fixed place of business, unless the person has a valid concealed pistol license (CPL). Carrying a concealed pistol without having been issued a CPL is a misdemeanor offense. Failure to carry a CPL in one's immediate possession while carrying a concealed pistol is a civil infraction.

In order to obtain a CPL a person must apply with the local law enforcement agency and undergo a fingerprint-based background check. A CPL must be issued if the applicant is not ineligible to possess a firearm under state or federal law and if the applicant meets other eligibility requirements. A copy of the CPL must be delivered to the Department of Licensing, which maintains records of CPLs in an electronic database. The Department of License is responsible for sending renewal notifications to CPL holders approximately 90 days prior to the expiration date of the CPL.

A CPL is valid for a period of five years. The fee for an original CPL is $36 plus additional charges imposed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation that are passed on to the applicant. The fee is distributed as follows: $15 to the State General Fund; $4 to the agency taking the fingerprints of the applicant; $14 to the license-issuing authority; $2.16 to the Firearms Range Account; and $0.84 to the CPL Renewal Notification Account.

A CPL holder may renew the license by applying for renewal within 90 days before or after expiration of the license. The renewal takes effect on the expiration date of the previous license. The renewal fee is $32, and if the licensee renews after the expiration date, an additional $10 late renewal penalty applies. The $32 renewal fee is distributed as follows: $15 to the State General Fund; $14 to the license-issuing authority; $2.16 to the Firearms Range Account; and $0.84 to the CPL Renewal Notification Account.

The $10 penalty for late renewal does not apply to a member of the Armed Forces who is serving outside the state when his or her CPL expires and who applies for renewal within 90 days of returning to the state. The person must provide to the issuing authority, at the time of renewal, a copy of the original order of deployment or assignment for out-of-state military service and a copy of the person's discharge, or order of deployment or assignment back to this state.

Summary of Bill:

Local law enforcement agencies must implement a procedure for the renewal of concealed pistol licenses (CPLs) through a mail application process, and may develop an online application process, for members of the Armed Forces who are unable to renew their CPLs because of the their assignment, reassignment, or deployment for out-of-state military service.

A member of the Armed Forces applying for a mail or online license renewal must:

provide a copy of the person's original order designating the specific period of assignment, reassignment, or deployment for out-of-state military service;
apply for renewal within 90 days before or after the expiration date of the license; and
pay the renewal licensing fee, and if applicable, the late renewal penalty.

A license renewed under this process takes effect on the expiration date of the prior license and is valid for a period of one year.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) This bill is the result of hearing from a constituent who is in the Navy and deployed for military service in Virginia. Currently, there is no possibility for him to renew his Washington concealed pistol license (CPL) unless he flies back to Washington. This is an unnecessary burden for Washington's service members. The bill creates a process for renewal of CPLs by mail for Washington service members who are deployed out of state.

(Opposed) None.

Persons Testifying: Representative Caldier, prime sponsor.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.