H-1584

AN ACT Relating to eligibility for a concealed weapon permit; and amending RCW 9.41.070.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

Sec. 1. RCW 9.41.070 and 1990 c 195 s 6 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) The judge of a court of record, the chief of police of a municipality, or the sheriff of a county, shall within thirty days after the filing of an application of any person issue a license to such person to carry a pistol concealed on his or her person within this state for four years from date of issue, for the purposes of protection or while engaged in business, sport, or while traveling. However, if the applicant does not have a valid permanent Washington driver's license or Washington state identification card or has not been a resident of the state for the previous consecutive ninety days, the issuing authority shall have up to sixty days after the filing of the application to issue a license. Such applicant's constitutional right to bear arms shall not be denied ((~~to him~~)), unless he or she:

(a) Is ineligible to own a pistol under the provisions of RCW 9.41.040; or

(b) Is under twenty‑one years of age; or

(d) Is free on bond or personal recognizance pending trial, appeal, or sentencing for a crime of violence; or

(e) Has an outstanding warrant for his or her arrest from any court of competent jurisdiction for a felony or misdemeanor; or

(f) Has been ordered to forfeit a firearm under RCW 9.41.098(1)(d) within one year before filing an application to carry a pistol concealed on his or her person; or

(g) Is ineligible under federal law to possess a weapon.

The license shall be revoked by the issuing authority immediately upon conviction of a crime which makes such a person ineligible to own a pistol or upon the third conviction for a violation of this chapter within five calendar years.

(2) Upon an order to forfeit a firearm under RCW 9.41.098(1)(d) the ((~~license~~)) issuing authority shall:

(a) On the first forfeiture, ((~~be revoked by the department of licensing~~)) revoke the license for one year;

(b) On the second forfeiture, ((~~be revoked by the department of licensing~~)) revoke the license for two years;

(c) On the third or subsequent forfeiture, ((~~be revoked by the department of licensing~~)) revoke the license for five years.

Any person whose license is revoked as a result of a forfeiture of a firearm under RCW 9.41.098(1)(d) may not reapply for a new license until the end of the revocation period. The issuing authority shall notify, in writing, the department of licensing upon revocation of a license. The department of licensing shall record the revocation.

The license shall be in triplicate, in form to be prescribed by the department of licensing, and shall bear the name, address, and description, fingerprints, and signature of the licensee, and the licensee's driver's license number or state identification card number if used for identification in applying for the license. The license application shall contain a warning substantially as follows:

CAUTION: Although state and local laws do not differ, federal law and state law on the possession of firearms differ. If you are prohibited by federal law from possessing a firearm, you may be prosecuted in federal court. A state license is not a defense to a federal prosecution.

The license application shall contain a description of the major differences between state and federal law and an explanation of the fact that local laws and ordinances on firearms are preempted by state law and must be consistent with state law. The application shall contain questions about the applicant's place of birth, whether the applicant is a United States citizen, and if not a citizen whether the applicant has declared the intent to become a citizen and whether he or she has been required to register with the state or federal government and any identification or registration number, if applicable. The applicant shall not be required to produce a birth certificate or other evidence of citizenship. An applicant who is not a citizen shall provide documentation showing resident alien status and the applicant's intent to become a citizen. A person who makes a false statement regarding citizenship on the application is guilty of a misdemeanor. A person who is not a citizen of the United States, or has not declared his or her intention to become a citizen shall meet the additional requirements of RCW 9.41.170.

The original thereof shall be delivered to the licensee, the duplicate shall within seven days be sent by registered mail to the director of licensing and the triplicate shall be preserved for six years, by the authority issuing said license.

(3) The fee for the original issuance of a four‑year license shall be twenty‑three dollars: PROVIDED, That no other additional charges by any branch or unit of government shall be borne by the applicant for the issuance of the license: PROVIDED FURTHER, That the fee shall be distributed as follows:

(a) Four dollars shall be paid to the state general fund;

(b) Four dollars shall be paid to the agency taking the fingerprints of the person licensed;

(d) Three dollars to the firearms range account in the general fund.

(4) The fee for the renewal of such license shall be fifteen dollars: PROVIDED, That no other additional charges by any branch or unit of government shall be borne by the applicant for the renewal of the license: PROVIDED FURTHER, That the fee shall be distributed as follows:

(a) Four dollars shall be paid to the state general fund;

(b) Eight dollars shall be paid to the issuing authority for the purpose of enforcing this chapter; and

(5) Payment shall be by cash, check, or money order at the option of the applicant. Additional methods of payment may be allowed at the option of the issuing authority.

(6) A licensee may renew a license if the licensee applies for renewal within ninety days before or after the expiration date of the license. A license so renewed shall take effect on the expiration date of the prior license. A licensee renewing after the expiration date of the license must pay a late renewal penalty of ten dollars in addition to the renewal fee specified in subsection (4) of this section. The fee shall be distributed as follows:

(a) Three dollars shall be deposited in the state wildlife fund and used exclusively for the printing and distribution of a pamphlet on the legal limits of the use of firearms, firearms safety, and the preemptive nature of state law. The pamphlet shall be given to each applicant for a license; and

(b) Seven dollars shall be paid to the issuing authority for the purpose of enforcing this chapter.

(7) Notwithstanding the requirements of subsections (1) through (6) of this section, the chief of police of the municipality or the sheriff of the county of the applicant's residence may issue a temporary emergency license for good cause pending review under subsection (1) of this section.

(8) A political subdivision of the state shall not modify the requirements of this section or chapter, nor may a political subdivision ask the applicant to voluntarily submit any information not required by this section. A civil suit may be brought to enjoin a wrongful refusal to issue a license or a wrongful modification of the requirements of this section or chapter. The civil suit may be brought in the county in which the application was made or in Thurston county at the discretion of the petitioner. Any person who prevails against a public agency in any action in the courts for a violation of this chapter shall be awarded costs, including reasonable attorneys' fees, incurred in connection with such legal action.