Crosscut Now
Dec. 13, 2022 - 2018 WA gun law may be implemented soon
12/13/2022 | 1m 15sVideo has Closed Captions
Shelved since 2018, this WA gun law may finally be implemented soon.
State officials have decided to push forward a voter-approved measure requiring annual background checks of pistol and semiautomatic rifle owners.
Problems playing video? | Closed Captioning Feedback
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Crosscut Now is a local public television program presented by Cascade PBS
Crosscut Now
Dec. 13, 2022 - 2018 WA gun law may be implemented soon
12/13/2022 | 1m 15sVideo has Closed Captions
State officials have decided to push forward a voter-approved measure requiring annual background checks of pistol and semiautomatic rifle owners.
Problems playing video? | Closed Captioning Feedback
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State officials have decided to push forward with a voter-approved measure requiring annual background checks of pistol and semi-automatic rifle owners.
Previously, the 2018 law was shelved because of logistical and legal hurdles.
One reason is that current background checks are centered on gun purchases using applications filled out when buying a firearm.
The Department of Licensing is tasked with keeping some of that information on file but neither the federal government nor Washington State keeps records on who actually owns guns.
That means that existing gun data from purchase records cannot account for someone who has died, moved out of state, or gotten rid of their weapons.
According to a spokesperson for Governor Inslee, new legislation will be needed in order to complete checks based on records originating from the feds or other states.
I'm Starla Sampaco.
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Crosscut Now is a local public television program presented by Cascade PBS