SENATE BILL REPORT

                           SHB 1976

                     AS OF MARCH 25, 1993

Brief Description:  Requiring firearms dealers to offer trigger‑locking devices.

SPONSORS: House Committee on Judiciary (originally sponsored by Representatives Scott, Riley and Anderson)

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY

SENATE COMMITTEE ON LAW & JUSTICE

Staff:  Jon Carlson (786‑7459)

Hearing Dates: March 30, 1993

BACKGROUND:

"Short firearm" or "pistol" means any firearm with a barrel less than 12 inches in length.  Handguns are not specifically defined.

Current state law prohibits delivery of a short firearm or pistol to any person under the age of 21.  The law permits licensed dealers to sell a short firearm or pistol to persons at least 21 years of age if those persons meet other specified criteria.

Trigger-locking devices are available for sale to firearm owners who wish to use this safety feature.  However, firearms dealers are not required to offer to sell these devices to prospective purchasers.

SUMMARY:

"Handgun" is added to the list of firearms defined as having a barrel less than 12 inches long.  "Trigger-locking device" also is defined.

Before selling a handgun, a licensed firearms dealer must offer the purchaser a trigger-locking device, explain its operation, and have the purchaser initial the purchase application to indicate the purchaser understands a trigger-locking device is available for purchase.

A first violation of the act is to result in a $100 fine, a second violation in a $200 fine, and a third violation in a 30-day suspension of the dealer's license.

There are exceptions for wholesalers and sales to government law enforcement and armed services agencies.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  none requested