The Alliance for Gun Responsibility wants Washington to begin requiring state permits for gun buyers and to impose a new excise tax on ammunition and firearm sales.
According to the Washington State Standard, the permit program would mirror what’s in place in some other states and would be more involved than the background check that is now required. The group also wants to add parks and public buildings to places where openly carrying firearms is restricted, ban bulk purchases of guns and ammunition, and tighten oversight of firearm dealers.
The news outlet reports that at least one gun rights group argues that the permit-to-purchase program and the tax could violate the Second Amendment.
As envisioned, a person would apply, be fingerprinted to verify their identity and undergo a background check conducted by the Washington State Patrol. Under the proposed program, before getting a permit, a person would also be required to present proof of completion of a firearm safety training program and demonstrate the safe handling of, and shooting proficiency with, firearms. In addition, the Alliance also wants the Washington State Patrol to conduct annual eligibility rechecks of permit holders to determine if a person has become prohibited from owning a firearm due to a protection order or conviction of a crime, like domestic violence.
Governor-elect Bob Ferguson reportedly told alliance representatives that he supports the concept.
