Washington State Attorney General Nick Brown endorsed a controversial firearms bill on Tuesday in testifying before the Senate Law & Justice Committee.
Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 1163, which passed the House of Representatives on a strict party-line vote earlier this month, aims to introduce a permit-to-purchase system for firearms, in addition to mandating safety training and requiring comprehensive background checks.
“I chose this bill to make the first time that I testify because I believe this bill is a measure that will save lives,” Brown told the committee. “On average, 935 people are killed by firearm violence in Washington each year.”
He went on to say, “This process makes meaningful use of the time between a decision to purchase and when a gun is used in a person’s hand. The interval can provide a period of cooling off for those with intent to self-harm or violence toward others.”
Bill proponents point to firearm suicide statistics and contend that more time between the purchase and delivery of a firearm could save lives.
In 2023, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 66% of all firearm deaths in Washington state were suicides. The remaining deaths were attributed to homicides, accidents or other causes
Brown said he is confident that if the bill became law it would hold up in court and lead to better outcomes.
“Other states that have adopted similar laws have seen reductions in homicides and suicides,” he said. “These measures also reduce the likelihood of mass shootings and protect law enforcement.”
Sen. Phil Fortunato, R-Auburn, followed up with a question to Brown.
“How many crimes have been committed by legal gun owners?” he asked. “That’s who this bill is targeting; it’s not targeting criminals or people who are intent on doing harm. So, by making it more restrictive for legal gun owners to purchase a firearm, how do you think that that is going to reduce these firearm-related incidents?”
“I don’t have the answer as to the number of crimes committed by CPL [concealed pistol license] holders,” Brown answered. “I’m sure that’s information that your staff can provide for you, senator.”
He said the bill’s additional requirements are to ensure that only law-abiding citizens can purchase firearms.
Fortunato pushed back.
“We already have that with background checks,” he told the attorney general. “We already have that with concealed carry permit checks, so we already have those things.”
He then asked Brown if he thought it was an “impairment” to the purchase of a firearm to require a would-be purchaser to take a gun safety training course.
Brown responded that it would be a “requirement,” adding that he believes it is constitutional.
Article 1, Section 24 of the state constitution guarantees the right of individual citizens to bear arms for defense but clarifies that this right doesn't authorize individuals or corporations to organize, maintain, or employ an armed body of men.
Northwest Regional Director of the National Rifle Association Aoibheann Cline testified against the bill, saying it “presents a chicken and the egg problem. In order to obtain a firearm, you need a permit. In order to obtain a permit, you need to already have a firearm because [you have to] pass live fire training with a firearm to get the permit, so this bill will effectively end first-time firearm ownership.”
Jim Parsons of Bainbridge Island came out in support of the bill.
“Tragically, our beautiful daughter, Keri, was one of the 58 victims of the Las Vegas mass shooting. By requiring fingerprinting, we establish a robust identification system that prevents firearms from falling into the wrong hands,” he said.
Jane Milhans, a Tacoma area firearms instructor, testified in opposition to the bill.
“Picture yourself face to face with two men in your home, and you’re wondering, ‘Am I going to be raped? Am I going to be murdered?’” she asked. “That’s the thoughts that were in my head when I had two men in my house.”
Milhans survived a home invasion and credits the fact that she had a firearm for personal protection in her home, as well as training on how to use it, with keeping her calm during the incident.
She told lawmakers women like her who want to protect themselves with a firearm would be forced to wait weeks or more to acquire the weapon.
“They’re waiting to get the permit, they’re waiting to get the firearms training, and then they’re waiting to get a firearm. That long wait could kill a lot of women,” Milhans told the committee.
Dan Mitchell with the Washington Civil Rights Association, which has offered free firearms training, promised lawmakers he would be the first private citizen to sue over the bill if it became law.
“Quite frankly, this is an eff around and find out moment, and I will see you in court,” he said.
The bill is set for executive session in the Senate Law & Justice Committee on Thursday.
