HB 2310

Title: An act relating to temporary emergency concealed pistol licenses.

Brief Description: Changing provisions relating to temporary emergency concealed pistol licenses.

Sponsors: Representatives Carrell, Lantz, Mielke, Boldt, Nixon, Pearson, Campbell, Kirby, Cox, Schindler, Shabro, Priest, McMahan, Bush, Schoesler, Conway, Rockefeller and Hinkle.

Hearing Date: 1/22/04

Staff: Bill Perry (786-7123).

Background:

Generally, a person is required to have a concealed pistol license (CPL) in order to carry a pistol "concealed on his or her person." A person seeking a CPL must apply to a local law enforcement agency which generally has 30 days to perform the necessary background checks and process the application. A CPL costs $36 and is valid for five years.

Local law enforcement agencies are allowed under some circumstances, however, to issue a temporary emergency license. Such a license may be issued pending review of the applicant under the normal CPL procedure. A temporary emergency CPL may be issued only for "good cause." Good cause is not defined in the CPL statute.

Summary of Bill:

"Good cause" for purposes of qualifying for a temporary emergency CPL includes but is not limited to situations in which the applicant:

•    Has a valid no-contact, antiharassment, or other protection order against another person; and

•    Has sworn by affidavit that he or she may lawfully possess a firearm.

A temporary emergency CPL issued on these grounds becomes invalid upon the termination of the protection order or upon denial of the underlying CPL application.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.