Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Judiciary Committee

SB 5268

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Background:

It is generally unlawful for a person to carry a pistol concealed on his or her person, except in the person's abode or fixed place of business, unless the person has a valid concealed pistol license (CPL). Carrying a concealed pistol without having been issued a CPL is a misdemeanor offense. Failure to carry a CPL in one's immediate possession while carrying a concealed pistol is a civil infraction.

In order to obtain a CPL, a person must apply with the local law enforcement agency and undergo a fingerprint-based background check. A CPL must be issued if the applicant is not ineligible to possess a firearm under state or federal law and if the applicant meets other eligibility requirements. A copy of the CPL must be delivered to the Department of Licensing, which maintains records of CPLs in an electronic database.

A CPL is valid for a period of five years. The fee for an original CPL is $36 plus additional charges imposed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation that are passed on to the applicant. The fee is distributed as follows: $15 to the State General Fund; $4 to the agency taking the fingerprints of the applicant; $14 to the license-issuing authority; and $3 to the Firearms Range Account.

A CPL holder may renew the license by applying for renewal within 90 days before or after expiration of the license. The renewal takes effect on the expiration date of the previous license. The renewal fee is $32, and if the licensee renews after the expiration date, an additional $10 late renewal penalty applies.

The $32 renewal fee is distributed as follows: $15 to the State General Fund; $14 to the license-issuing authority; and $3 to the Firearms Range Account. The $10 late renewal penalty is distributed as follows: $7 to the license-issuing authority; and $3 to the state wildlife account to be used by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife for publication of a firearm safety pamphlet and support of volunteer firearms safety training instructors.

Summary of Bill:

An applicant for a concealed pistol license (CPL) may include his or her electronic mail (email) address on the application for a concealed pistol license. If the licensee provides his or her email address on the CPL application, the Department of Licensing must send notice of the expiration of the CPL to the licensee's email address 60 days prior to the expiration of the license.