Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Civil Rights & Judiciary Committee

HB 1315

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.

Brief Description: Concerning concealed pistol license training requirements.

Sponsors: Representatives Lovick, Jinkins, Ryu, Senn, Goodman, Kilduff, Bergquist, Kloba, Stanford, Davis, Walen and Pollet.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Requires an applicant to provide evidence of completion of a handgun proficiency course in order to obtain a concealed pistol license.

  • Requires the Washington State Patrol to establish minimum standards for handgun proficiency, develop a course and examinations to measure handgun proficiency, and certify qualified handgun instructors and approved online course providers.

Hearing Date: 1/21/20

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 to determine eligibility. An application for a CPL must include the applicant's name, residential address, date and place of birth, race, gender, description, complete set of fingerprints, and driver's license number or state identification card if used for identification in applying for the license.

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 the following additional requirements:

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. 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.

Summary of Bill:

In order to obtain a concealed pistol license (CPL), a person must provide evidence of completion of a handgun proficiency course developed by the Washington State Patrol (WSP). In addition, the statute governing CPLs is restructured, and the requirement that a CPL include the race and gender of the applicant is removed.

The WSP must establish minimum standards for handgun proficiency, develop a course and examinations to measure handgun proficiency, and certify qualified handgun instructors and approved online course providers. The WSP must develop the form and manner of documentation to be provided to a CPL applicant for use as evidence of handgun proficiency.

Handgun Proficiency Course.

The handgun proficiency course must contain training sessions divided into two parts: classroom instruction; and range instruction and an actual demonstration of the applicant's ability to safely and proficiently use a handgun. The WSP must distribute the standards, course requirements, and examinations upon request of a qualified handgun instructor or approved online course provider.

Only qualified handgun instructors may administer the range instruction part of the course, and qualified handgun instructors and approved online course providers may administer the classroom instruction part of the course.

Classroom instruction must include between four and eight hours of instruction on:

The handgun proficiency examination must include:

A qualified handgun instructor must administer the handgun proficiency examination, except that an online course provider may administer the written portion of the proficiency examination. An applicant who successfully completed an online version of the classroom instruction must complete between one to two hours of range instruction before the instructor may administer the physical demonstration of handgun proficiency.

Certification of Qualified Handgun Instructors and Approved Online Course Providers.

The WSP may certify a person as a qualified handgun instructor if the person:

The WSP may certify a person as an approved online course provider if the person has:

In addition, qualified handgun instructors and approved online course providers must be qualified to instruct persons in the topical components of the required classroom instruction.

The WSP may charge a fee of up to $100 to certify a qualified handgun instructor or approved online course provider, and certifications are valid for 5 years.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

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