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Gov. Jay Inslee will be signing a package of bills tomorrow aimed at reducing gun violence. The governor will be joined for this in-person bill-signing event by Attorney General Bob Ferguson, legislators, advocates and families who have experienced gun violence.
WHAT: Inslee will sign the following bills:
- HB 1630 which restricts firearms in certain locations such as school board meetings, city council meetings, and election offices. This legislation will better ensure people feel safe and free from intimidation when trying to participate in civic activities.
- HB 1705 which addresses the alarming rise of untraceable homemade ghost guns in communities. The legislation allows hobbyists to continue making guns at home but requires the use of components with serial numbers.
- SB 5078 which bans large capacity magazines that hold more than 10 rounds of ammunition. Such weapons are frequently used in mass shooting events. This bill was requested by AG Ferguson.
WHEN: Wednesday, March 23 at 10:00 a.m.
WHO: Speakers include:
- Attorney General Bob Ferguson
- Sen. Marko Liias
- Rep. Liz Berry
- Rep. Tana Senn
WHERE: Legislative Building - State Reception Room
This event is invitation only. Credentialed media are invited to attend. All attendees, including media, are required to wear a KN95 mask. Please RSVP with name and outlet to Alison.Sborov@gov.wa.gov. Following remarks, the governor, other speakers and families of those who have been impacted by gun violence will be available for pull-asides with reporters. The bill signing event will also be streamed on TVW.
Inslee has been a stalwart proponent of reducing gun violence. In 2016 he issued an executive order directing the state to take a public health approach to prevention efforts. Since then, Washington state has taken several important actions including improved background checks, measures to prevent suicide, extreme risk protections orders, and a ban on bump stocks. The state’s Office of Firearm Safety and Violence Prevention launched last year and is helping lead statewide coordination of data-sharing, analysis and implementation of firearm safety strategies.
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