fight for gun control

Washington Lawmakers are currently considering two bills that would better protect the public against gun violence. Local anti-gun violence organizations are urging parents to call their lawmakers to weigh in on the proposed laws.

Parent readers at Seattle’s Child said that gun violence, especially in schools, was one of their biggest concerns as lawmakers gathered in Olympia this year. Last year, the issue was also the top concern of readers.

Senate Bill 5963 (SB 5963)

SB 5963 would introduce new requirements for firearm ownership and was heard earlier this week in the Senate Committee on Law & Justice. It is currently awaiting a committee vote on whether or not it will be passed forward in the legislative process.

If the bill becomes law, firearm owners would be required to maintain residential dwelling insurance policies covering accidental or unintentional discharge, thus providing financial safeguards to potential victims. It would also require insurance brokers and producers to inform policyholders about the insurance mandate to ensure widespread awareness and compliance.

Abdirahman Mohamed, communications director for the statewide anti-gun violence advocacy nonprofit Alliance for Gun Responsibility, said SB 5963 “represents a significant step forward in our ongoing efforts to reduce gun-related incidents and ensure responsible firearm ownership.

“It not only protects individuals but also communities by encouraging responsible behavior and providing financial safeguards in unfortunate events,” Mohamed added.

Senate Bill 5444 (SB 5444)

A second bill floating through the Senate, SB 5444, would make it illegal to carry firearms in certain sensitive locations under the state’s open-carry rules. Locations from which firearms would be banned include:

public libraries
zoos or aquariums
the premises of a city’s, town’s, county’s, or other municipality’s neighborhood
community or regional park facilities at which children and youth are likely to be present
transit stations or transit facilities, including all passenger facilities, structures, stops, shelters, bus zones
state or local public buildings

The Alliance for Gun Responsibility called SB 5444 “an impactful piece of legislation designed to protect our communities.”

Take Action

Let your lawmakers know how you feel about any proposed laws. Here’s how:

Sign up to testify or to let lawmakers know you are PRO or CON on a bill by going to the Washington State Legislature Bill Information webpage, finding the bill you are interested in, and signing up.
Sign up for action alerts from the Alliance for Gun Responsibility.
Contact your lawmaker about any bill and ask how you can make your voice heard:
- Contact members of the Washington State House of Representatives
- Contact members of the Washington State Senate