From the NSSF Government Relations desk, we learn of a bill in Washington State that has passed the Senate (unanimously) and the House and is on the way to Governor Jay Inslee for signature. The TL:DR version: Washington FFLs must notify the State Patrol of any NICS denials. Is this “common sense gun control?” What say you? More info follows . . .
Attention Washington State FFLs: State NICS Denial Database Bill Passes Legislature, Goes to Governor
Washington State legislators have sent Gov. Jay Inslee a bill that would require FFLs in your state to contact the State Patrol following any denial on a background check for a firearm transfer. The proposal, HB 1501, passed the Republican-controlled Senate by unanimous vote on Thursday and achieved concurrence in the House on a 83-13 vote on Friday, sending the bill to the governor’s desk.
The bill language mandates that Washington State FFLs notify the State Patrol within two business days after receiving any National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) denial on a Form 4473. The State Patrol would have to establish a new database for the denials and make the information available to sheriffs and police chiefs within two days. Those with active protection, harassment or restraining orders would also be notified if the subject of the order has been denied purchase of a firearm.
The Washington Office of Financial Management determined that the unfunded measure would cost $1.5 million a year to implement the database system. Those opposed to HB 1501 argued there are erroneous denials through NICS, which can take months or years to rectify.