A proposed bill creates a centralized single point of contact background check system for firearm purchases and transfers.

HB 2467, sponsored by Reps. Drew Hansen (D–Bainbridge Island) and Morgan Irwin (R–Enumclaw), directs the Washington State Patrol (WSP) to establish a firearm background check unit as well as an automated firearms background check system. As a part of the process, WSP would establish an accountability board comprised of law enforcement, retailers, advocates, and the public. The board would include two four-year seats for police chiefs.

Implications for cities and towns appear to be minor. As a part of developing the automated background check system, WSP will need to develop connections with available repositories of statewide local law enforcement record management systems as well as court records systems. The accountability board described above will consult with WSP as needed in the development of this system.

Once the proposed system is in place, WSP will be required to report the following to local law enforcement agencies:

• Each instance that an application to purchase or transfer of a firearm is denied due to the applicant being ineligible to possess a firearm.
• Each instance that an application to purchase or transfer of a firearm is initially denied due to the applicant being ineligible to possess a firearm but then the purchase or transfer is subsequently approved.

Dates to remember

The bill is scheduled for executive session in the House Civil Rights & Judiciary Committee at 10 am on Friday, January 24.