HOUSE BILL REPORT
SSB 6267
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. |
As Reported by House Committee On:
Judiciary
Title: An act relating to notice to the licensee before a concealed pistol license expires.
Brief Description: Concerning notice to the licensee before a concealed pistol license expires.
Sponsors: Senate Committee on Law & Justice (originally sponsored by Senators Schoesler, Bailey, Warnick, Hobbs, Takko, Padden, Carlyle, Ericksen, Hargrove, Brown, Conway, Honeyford, Keiser, Dansel, Parlette, Hewitt, Pearson, Sheldon and Chase).
Brief History:
Committee Activity:
Judiciary: 2/23/16, 2/26/16 [DP].
Brief Summary of Substitute Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY |
Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 13 members: Representatives Jinkins, Chair; Kilduff, Vice Chair; Rodne, Ranking Minority Member; Shea, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Goodman, Haler, Hansen, Kirby, Klippert, Kuderer, Muri, Orwall and Stokesbary.
Staff: Edie Adams (786-7180).
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 a 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, and 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 $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 creation and publication of a firearm safety pamphlet and support of volunteer firearms safety training instructors.
The $10 penalty for late renewal does not apply to a member of the Armed Forces who is serving outside the state when his or her CPL expires and who applies for renewal within 90 days of returning to the state. The person must provide to the issuing authority, at the time of renewal, a copy of the original order of deployment or assignment for out-of-state military service and a copy of the person's discharge, or order of deployment or assignment back to this state.
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Summary of Bill:
An applicant for a CPL may request notification of the expiration of the license by providing his or her electronic mail address on the CPL application. The Department of Licensing must send notice of the expiration of the CPL to the licensee's electronic mail address 60 days prior to the expiration of the license.
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Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) This is a simple proposal that provides a friendly reminder for people who responsibly obtain their CPLs. This is a voluntary notification that a person may choose to sign up for. A person does not have to provide his or her electronic mail address on the application if the person does not want to do so. People receive notification of the expiration of their drivers' licenses, but CPL holders do not receive a notice of the expiration of their CPLs. This bill will help prevent people from inadvertently breaking the law.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Senator Schoesler, prime sponsor; and Andrew Mesojednik.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.