SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 5023

                    As of February 13, 1995

Title:  An act relating to pistol safety.

Brief Description:  Requiring purchasers of pistols to complete a safety training course.

Sponsors:  Senators Fairley, Wojahn, C. Anderson and Pelz.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Law & Justice:  1/16/95.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON LAW & JUSTICE

Staff:  Jon Carlson (786-7459)

Background:  Under the state Uniform Firearms Act, a firearms dealer may not deliver a pistol to a purchaser unless certain requirements are met.  One of the main requirements is that the purchaser must wait at least five business days from the time the purchase application has been received by law enforcement for purposes of conducting a background check on the applicant's criminal and civil commitment history.

The firearms statute does not contain any requirement that a purchaser must complete a pistol training course before he or she is eligible to receive the pistol from the dealer.

Summary of Bill:  In addition to the other requirements pertaining to purchase of a pistol, a firearms dealer may not deliver a pistol to a purchaser until the purchaser satisfactorily completes a training course, approved by the Department of Fish and Wildlife, in the safe handling and use of pistols. 

The training course requirement does not apply to law enforcement officers, military personnel, officers or employees of the United States authorized to carry a concealed pistol, or sales to dealers for resale.

The director of the Department of Fish and Wildlife is required to adopt standards for the training courses.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Requested on January 10, 1995.

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