SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6347

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.

Brief Summary of Bill

Extends the validity of a concealed pistol license from five years to seven years if the applicant provides proof of completion of a recognized firearm safety training program within the last five years.

Background: It is generally unlawful for a person to carry a pistol concealed on their person, except in the person's abode or fixed place of business, unless they have 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.

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 eligible to possess a firearm under state or federal law, is 21 years of age or older, and submits a completed application along with the required application fee. A copy of the CPL must be delivered to the Department of Licensing, which maintains records of CPLs in an electronic database.

A CPL is valid for five years. The fee for an original CPL is $36, plus additional charges imposed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, which are passed on to the applicant. 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.

Summary of Bill: A CPL is valid for seven years instead of five if the applicant provides proof of completion of a recognized firearm safety training program within the last five years that, at a minimum, includes instruction on:

basic firearms safety rules;
firearms and children, including safe storage;
firearms and suicide prevention;
safe storage of firearms to prevent unauthorized access and use;
safe handling of firearms; and
state and federal firearms laws, including prohibited firearms transfers.

The training must be sponsored by a law enforcement agency, college or university, a nationally recognized organization that customarily offers firearms training, or a firearms training school with instructors certified by a nationally recognized organization that customarily offers firearms training. The proof of training shall be in the form of a certification that states under penalty of perjury the training included the minimum requirements.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This bill could not be more different from SB 6294. I do not believe that you should force training upon people. The right to arm yourself for self-defense is a constitutional right that cannot be impaired through training or fee requirements. This bill allows a person to get another couple years on their CPL if they have completed training. This is a common sense incentive based approach to encourage people to get training. CPL holders are responsible, law abiding citizens.

We are supportive of legislation that creates a positive incentive to obtain training without being overly specific about the amount of training. SB 6294 takes a negative regressive approach. Between 1970 and 1990 there was a large drop in the number of accidental firearm deaths. Voluntary safety firearms training helps everyone.

CON: This bill places an expensive burden on those who seek to defend themselves. There are some areas of the state where it is very difficult to find a live fire training facility. Mandating training when there is not a facility available is an undue financial burden. Some people already have minimal financial ability to purchase a firearm.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: PRO: Jerry Bentler, citizen; Devon Oslund, citizen; Brian Keelean, Washington State Rifle and Pistol Association; Don Baldwin, citizen; Philip Shave, citizen; Van Byington, citizen. CON: Mike Silvers, citizen; Daniel Mitchell, Sporting Systems; James Barrick, citizen; Jon Conley, citizen; Curtis Bingham, WAGuns; James Barrick, WAGuns; Chris Spieth, citizen; David Westhaver, citizen; Ira Moser, citizen; Tony Payauys, citizen; Brian Keelean, Washington State Rifle and Pistol Association; Adam Davison, citizen; Benton Cosper, citizen; Ryan Kalmikov, citizen; Mark Henri, citizen. OTHER: Dan Chavre, citizen.