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Following Advocacy from Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action Volunteers, Washington Legislature Advance Life-Saving Legislation

February 24, 2023

OLYMPIA, Wash. —Washington Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action, both part of Everytown for Gun Safety’s grassroots network, released the following statement after lawmakers in both chambers voted to advance common-sense gun safety legislation. Since their introduction, Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action volunteers have testified in favor of several bills, including the measures presented by Governor Inslee and Attorney General Ferguson. The bills that now await full floor votes in the House and Senate.

“This week is a testament to the work on the ground and behind the scenes from Moms Demand Action volunteers and gun sense lawmakers,” said Kate Stockert, a volunteer with the Washington Chapter of Moms Demand Action. “We thank our representatives and senators, as well as Governor Inslee and Attorney General Ferguson for showing up to make Washington a national leader in the fight against gun violence. We look forward to continuing partnering with our gun sense champions at both chambers to turn these bills into law.”

The two life-saving gun safety bills at the House that have advanced past committee deadlines and will be considered by the full chamber are:

  • HB 1143, legislation to require safety training and a permit to purchase any firearm in Washington. 
  • HB 1025, legislation to end qualified immunity and permit legal action by people and families harmed by police misconduct. 

Additionally, the House had already advanced other life-saving measures for floor consideration: 

  • HB 1240, legislation to prohibit the sale and manufacture of a list of assault-style rifles including any semi automatic rifles with detachable magazines. 
  • HB 1230, legislation to require school districts to post information about the secure storage of firearms and ammunition.

In a major step for gun violence prevention, today, the Senate Ways & Means Committee advanced SB 5078 sponsored by gun sense champion Senator Jamie Pedersen, which focuses on increasing accountability within the firearm industry. The legislation would create a new provision under state law that would allow lawsuits against gun manufacturers and dealers whose misconduct results in harm to Washington residents. 

As we await further legislative action on gun violence prevention bills, Moms Demand Action and Student Demand Action Volunteers will continue to advocate for measures that continue to make Washington a national leader in the fight against gun violence. 

Statistics about gun violence in Washington are available here, and Everytown’s Gun Law Rankings – which shows how Washington’s gun laws compare to those of other states – is available here. If you are interested in speaking with a Washington Moms Demand Action or Students Demand Action volunteer, please reach out to [email protected]

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