HOUSE BILL REPORT

                  HB 1833

             As Reported By House Committee On:

                          Judiciary

Title:  An act relating to firearm handling by minors.

Brief Description:  Conforming statutes relating to firearm handling by minors.

Sponsors:  Representatives Jacobsen and Appelwick.

Brief History:

  Reported by House Committee on:

Judiciary, March 2, 1993, DP.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY

Majority Report:  Do pass.  Signed by 17 members:  Representatives Appelwick, Chair; Ludwig, Vice Chair; Padden, Ranking Minority Member; Ballasiotes, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Campbell; Chappell; Forner; Johanson; Locke; Long; Mastin; H. Myers; Riley; Schmidt; Scott; Tate; and Wineberry.

Staff:  Margaret Allen (786-7191).

Background:  A current statute, with two exceptions, prohibits a minor under the age of 14 years from possessing or controlling a firearm.  Violating this prohibition, or aiding or knowingly permitting a minor to violate the prohibition, is a misdemeanor.

One exception is for a minor accompanied by, or under the immediate charge of, a parent, guardian, or other adult approved by the parent or guardian.

A second exception is for a minor under the supervision of a certified safety instructor at an established gun range or firearm training class.

There is some concern that a second statute may conflict with these exceptions.  The second statute makes it a gross misdemeanor to sell, to give, or to permit to be sold or given to anyone under the age of 18 years, a revolver or pistol.  For example, the question has been raised whether a parent or safety instructor can legally give a minor temporary possession of a revolver or pistol for the purpose of firearm safety training.

Summary of Bill:  The potential conflict is resolved by amending the second statute to include by reference the exceptions in the first statute.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For:  There is some question whether a parent can legally take a child to a firing range.  Adults should be permitted to teach youths how to handle and use handguns safely.

Testimony Against:  None.

Witnesses:  Lupe Barkus, citizen (pro); George A. Shultz, citizen (pro); Merton G. Cooper, citizen (pro); Dave Burgess, Hunter Education Program (pro); and Will Ulry and Ron Lohman, Department of Wildlife Hunter Safety Program (pro).