OLYMPIA — Democratic lawmakers in Olympia are once again considering a sweeping package of gun control measures — this time, a trio of bills that would enhance gun storage, limit bulk purchases of guns and ammunition and possibly require gun buyers to get permits.
Public hearings held by the House Civil Rights & Judiciary Committee on Tuesday drew many to the Capitol, with most of those who showed up in person in support of the proposals, while more than 2,000 people signed in online, mostly in opposition.
Committee members first took up House Bill 1152, legislation which would create specific regulations for gun owners to properly and safely store firearms them in homes and/or vehicles.
Violations of the storage requirements outlined in the bill could result in a Class 1 civil infraction and a monetary penalty up to $1,000. Penalties could be higher for those whose firearms are obtained, due to improper storage, by someone who is not legally allowed to possess firearms. Owners could face a misdemeanor in those cases, a gross misdemeanor if a prohibited person uses the firearm to commit a crime, or a Class C felony if the firearm is used to commit personal injury or death to a third party.