*PASSED* WA senate hearing on legalizing suppressors

**MookNW** · 01-26-11, 10:18

http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summ...5112&year=2011
This is today at 1:30pm
Link to T.O.S. thread
http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.htm...=434430&page=1

**MookNW** · 01-26-11, 21:07

http://www.tvw.org/media/mediaplayer...3706872&bhcp=1

**GlockWRX** · 01-26-11, 22:22

I can't get that video to work. How did the hearing go?

**CLHC** · 01-26-11, 23:27

Seems it went positive and the Washington State Senate Judiciary Committee even stated that "we have several folks signed it and not a single person signed in opposition to the bill."

**J8127** · 01-26-11, 23:36

Originally Posted by GlockWRX

I can't get that video to work. How did the hearing go?

It looked like it went well to me. 6 people testified in favor, including LEO's, nobody was opposed, and the house bill was passed unanimously. The board asked legitimate, seemingly intrigued questions and got correct answers from those testifying.

**Iraqgunz** · 01-27-11, 02:25

Does the bill now go to both houses for a vote and then onto the Governor? Since you guys know current WA politics is there a chance it will pass?

I find this statement curious- Washington law does not regulate the possession of firearm suppressors. However, it is a gross misdemeanor crime in Washington for any person to use any device or contrivance for suppressing the noise of any firearm.

It would seem as if they certainly do regulate it. Since a person has to follow federal guidelines to obtain one only to be told you can't discharge a round through it while within the state it sounds like they are regulating it to me.

**mattj** · 01-27-11, 02:32

Originally Posted by Iraqgunz

Does the bill now go to both houses for a vote and then onto the Governor? Since you guys know current WA politics is there a chance it will pass?

I find this statement curious- Washington law does not regulate the possession of firearm suppressors. However, it is a gross misdemeanor crime in Washington for any person to use any device or contrivance for suppressing the noise of any firearm.

It would seem as if they certainly do regulate it. Since a person has to follow federal guidelines to obtain one only to be told you can't discharge a round through it while within the state it sounds like they are regulating it to me.

At this point it looks very good that it will get a vote in the state house (it is scheduled for a second reading, which is the next step in the process -- and it is on the "not controversial" schedule).

We'll have a better idea re: the senate once the senate judiciary committee takes whatever action they decide on it (possibly tomorrow?).

In the state of Washington, if the governor takes no action, then the bill becomes law -- so unless the gov goes out of her way to veto it, all that really needs to happen is for it to pass in both the house & senate.

**Iraqgunz** · 01-27-11, 02:40

What is the current make up of the house and senate? Isn't the Governor a democrat? If I remember correctly she was the AG when I was living there back in the mid-90's.

Originally Posted by mattj

At this point it looks very good that it will get a vote in the state house (it is scheduled for a second reading, which is the next step in the process -- and it is on the "not controversial" schedule).

We'll have a better idea re: the senate once the senate judiciary committee takes whatever action they decide on it (possibly tomorrow?).

In the state of Washington, if the governor takes no action, then the bill becomes law -- so unless the gov goes out of her way to veto it, all that really needs to happen is for it to pass in both the house & senate.

**J8127** · 01-27-11, 08:40

WA has a generally democrat favored government but I was shocked to see the gun laws in WA are really good. I have more gun rights here in WA than I did in Florida. The suppressor thing is really the only dumb one, and a lack of firing ranges but thats why everyone just goes out into the parks.

**GlockWRX** · 01-27-11, 09:09

In general WA is liberal, but relatively relaxed when it comes to firearms. Also, the hardcore liberals are mostly confined to a few counties. Our CCW permit system is favorable and we don't have any magazine bans or 'assault weapon' style bans. The only real restrictions are related to NFA items: SBRs, SBSs, and DDs are out; AOWs are in, and suppressors are in with the caveat you can't actually use them.

I am cautiously optimistic. After this, I'd love to see the SBR ban struck down.