HOUSE BILL REPORT
SB 5268
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 - Amended:
April 19, 2017
Title: An act relating to notice to the licensee before a concealed pistol license expires.
Brief Description: Concerning notice to the licensee before a concealed pistol license expires.
Sponsors: Senators Takko, Chase, Warnick, Schoesler, King, Sheldon, Saldaña, Cleveland, Pearson, Honeyford, Hawkins, Wilson, Becker and Hasegawa.
Brief History:
Committee Activity:
Judiciary: 3/15/17, 3/22/17 [DP];
Appropriations: 4/1/17, 4/4/17 [DPA].
Floor Activity:
Passed House - Amended: 4/19/17, 97-0.
Brief Summary of Bill (As Amended by House) |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY |
Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 13 members: Representatives Jinkins, Chair; Kilduff, Vice Chair; Rodne, Ranking Minority Member; Muri, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Frame, Goodman, Graves, Haler, Hansen, Kirby, Klippert, Orwall and Shea.
Staff: Edie Adams (786-7180).
HOUSE COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS |
Majority Report: Do pass as amended. Signed by 32 members: Representatives Ormsby, Chair; Robinson, Vice Chair; Chandler, Ranking Minority Member; MacEwen, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Stokesbary, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Bergquist, Buys, Cody, Condotta, Fitzgibbon, Haler, Hansen, Harris, Hudgins, Jinkins, Kagi, Lytton, Manweller, Nealey, Pettigrew, Pollet, Sawyer, Schmick, Senn, Springer, Stanford, Sullivan, Taylor, Tharinger, Vick, Volz and Wilcox.
Staff: Jordan Clarke (786-7123).
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 (DOL), which maintains records of CPLs in an electronic database.
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; and $3 to the Firearms Range 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; and $3 to the Firearms Range Account.
The Firearms Range Account is used to provide grants for the construction or improvement of firearm range facilities, including land acquisition, construction or remodeling, equipment purchase, safety or environmental improvements, noise abatement, and liability protection. Grants are available to nonprofit shooting organizations, school districts, and governmental entities. Grant applicants must provide matching funds, and all entities receiving grants must be open on a regular basis and usable by law enforcement or the general public who possess CPLS or hunting licenses, or who are enrolled in a firearms safety class.
Legislation enacted in 2017 (Substitute House Bill 1100) requires the DOL to mail a CPL renewal notice to a license holder approximately 90 days prior to expiration of the license for CPLs that expire on or after August 1, 2018. The notification must be sent to the address listed on the CPL application or to the licensee's new address if the licensee has notified the DOL of a change of address. The notice must include the date of license expiration, amount of the renewal fee, penalty for late renewal, and instructions on how to renew the license.
Summary of Bill:
An applicant for a concealed pistol license (CPL) may include his or her electronic mail (email) address on the application for a concealed pistol license. If the licensee provides his or her email address on the CPL application, the Department of Licensing (DOL) may send a CPL renewal notice to the licensee's email address rather than sending a renewal notice by mail. The act is null and void unless specifically funded in the 2017–19 Omnibus Appropriation Act with an appropriation from the Firearms Range Account.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date of Amended Bill: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed. However, the bill is null and void unless funded in the budget.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony (Judiciary):
(In support) This bill is similar to a bill that passed last year. The bill simply provides that a licensee can receive a notification that his or her license is about to expire. Most people do not frequently look at their concealed pistol license, so they are not aware when the license is about to expire. The bill creates a process similar to drivers' licenses where licensees receive an expiration notice.
(Opposed) None.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony (Appropriations):
(In support) None.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying (Judiciary): Senator Takko, prime sponsor.
Persons Testifying (Appropriations): None.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying (Judiciary): None.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying (Appropriations): None.