Washington State Bill Seeks Tougher Penalties for Gun Theft, Requiring Stricter Storage of Firearms
A new bill aimed at curbing rising gun thefts in Washington State has been introduced for legislative debate. House Bill 1152 seeks to impose stringent requirements on firearm storage for gun owners, mandating that firearms be securely stored in either a hard case or have a trigger lock in soft cases. If a firearm is stolen due to inadequate storage, the owner could face fines up to $1,000. Additionally, if the stolen gun is used in a crime by someone legally prohibited from owning one, the owner could face a felony charge, potentially leading to prison time and a loss of their gun ownership rights.
The bill, which has already garnered 34 sponsors, aims to tackle the alarming rate of gun thefts in the state. According to the Alliance for Gun Responsibility, around 4,074 firearms are stolen annually in Washington, with many thefts going unreported. Proponents of the bill, including Gee Scott from “The Gee and Ursula Show,” argue that it is a necessary step to reduce gun violence and crime associated with stolen firearms.
However, critics, like Jeremy Ball, owner of a Spokane shooting range, argue that the bill is overly punitive to gun owners who may already be victims of theft. Some suggest the bill could be an ineffective solution to a complex problem. Despite the mixed reactions, the bill continues to be a key topic of discussion as lawmakers work through the current legislative session.
This measure is part of a broader trend in Washington State to address gun safety, following the previous law signed by former Governor Jay Inslee that requires gun owners to report stolen firearms within 24 hours of discovery. With gun thefts on the rise, the state is now considering stricter laws to prevent firearms from falling into the wrong hands.
Reference News:- Gun owners could be charged with felonies if firearm gets stolen under new proposed bill
