HOUSE BILL REPORT

SB 5231

BYSenators Pullen, Madsen and Metcalf

Defining "antique firearms."

House Committe on Judiciary

Majority Report:  Do pass.  (17)

      Signed by Representatives Appelwick, Chair; Crane, Vice Chair; Padden, Ranking Republican Member; Belcher, Brough, Dellwo, Hargrove, Inslee, P. King, R. Meyers, Moyer, H. Myers, Patrick, Scott, D. Sommers, Tate and Wineberry.

House Staff:Patricia Shelledy (786-7149)

AS PASSED HOUSE APRIL 10, 1989

BACKGROUND:

In 1954, Congress enacted legislation which exempted antique firearms manufactured in or prior to 1898, including replicas, from the procedural and substantive requirements of federal firearms regulations.  However, the state exemption applies only to antique pistols and revolvers, and fails to exempt replica antique firearms such as black powder gun kits.  Dealers and purchasers who conduct an in-state transaction involving an antique replica firearm are subject to the same paperwork and five-day waiting period requirement as for a modern firearm.  Yet, if a replica antique firearm is acquired through an interstate mail-order purchase, the buyer is not subject to any waiting period requirement.

SUMMARY:

Replicas of antique firearms, whether manufactured before or after 1898, are exempt from the record keeping and waiting period requirements of the state firearm statute.  "Antique firearms" are defined.

Fiscal Note:      Not Requested.

House Committee ‑ Testified For:    Bob Ace, Washington State Rifle and Pistol Association; Dennis Cook, Washington Arms Collectors.

House Committee - Testified Against:      None Presented.

House Committee - Testimony For:    Conforming Washington law to federal law will assist state retailers.

House Committee - Testimony Against:      None Presented.