OLYMPIA, WA – As the nation grapples with an unprecedented gun violence epidemic, Washington State legislators are pursuing measures to keep families safe. Today, the Washington House of Representatives passed House Bill 1143, introduced by Representative Liz Berry (D-Seattle), to extend a 10-day waiting period and safety training for all firearm purchases.
“Gun violence is now the leading cause of death for children in our country,” Berry says. “As a mom of two little ones and as a person who has lost someone I love to gun violence, this is devastating to me. This bill will save lives.”
The legislation was requested by Governor Jay Inslee according to staffer Barbara Serrano, who testified before the House Appropriations Committee on February 8th. It would build on the enhanced background check program she says the Governor’s office is already putting into place for the purchase of semi-automatic rifles.
Ten states already require a permit or license to purchase a firearm.
If approved by the Washington State Legislature, the measure would not take effect until January 1st of 2025.
HB 1143 establishes the following requirements for all firearm purchases in Washington:
- A background check;
- A 10-day waiting period; and
- Completed safety training within the last five years.
In 2018, voters in Washington overwhelmingly approved I-1639, a 10-day waiting period, and safety training for the purchase of semiautomatic rifles. HB 1143 would extend similar measures to all firearm purchases.
“It’s simple: 10-day waiting periods reduce gun violence,” Berry says. “Research shows delaying a person in crisis from gaining access to a firearm can be the difference between life and death. This is especially important because over half of all suicides in our country are by firearm.”
Last session, Berry championed legislation to ban untraceable, homemade ‘ghost guns’ and offered key support for the passage of other critical measures including a ban on high-capacity magazines and restricting open carry at places of civic engagement including public demonstrations, local government meetings and election facilities and the state Capitol. She also helped secured over $8 million in funding to support the work of the Office of Firearm Safety and Violence Prevention.
For four years, Berry worked for U.S. Representative Gabby Giffords, and lastly as her Legislative Director. On Jan. 8, 2011, the nation watched in horror as a gunman attacked Rep. Giffords’ constituent event, killing six people, including a young girl. Berry also lost her friend and colleague, Gabe Zimmerman. Gabe is the first congressional staffer to be killed in the line of duty. This experience touched Berry in a profound way and has inspired her to tackle the tragedy of gun violence in our communities.
The bill passed the House on a vote of 52 to 44. It now moves to the Senate for further consideration.
