OLYMPIA, Wash. – A bill to require background checks for private gun sales is one step closer to a final vote. Tuesday, members of a Washington House committee voted seven to six.
Republican Rep. Jay Rodne opposed the bill, saying it would not be enforceable.
“We’re going to drain precious law enforcement resources to policing this measure,” he says.
But, Republican Rep. Mike Hope, a police officer, said this measure could help prevent shootings like what happened in Newtown, Conn.
“God forbid if a tragedy happens in my backyard, I want to know that I did everything legally possible to ensure that this would not happen.”
This bill would not require background checks if the buyer has already qualified for a concealed gun permit. Committees have until this Friday to pass policy bills before the cutoff date.
On the Web:
HB1588: Universal background checks - Washington Legislature
Firearms license information - Washington State Dept. of Licensing
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