Washington’s new House Bill 1163 mandates that individuals attend a government-authorized gun safety class before purchasing a firearm, with costs projected to be between $75 and $150. Critics argue that this requirement overshadows more pressing issues, such as mental health care, given that approximately 70% of gun-related deaths in the state are suicides.
Amid concerns about the infringement on Second Amendment rights, opponents suggest that instead of focusing on new gun laws, lawmakers should prioritize improving access to mental health services. With Washington ranking 49th nationwide in mental health care access, advocates believe targeting the root causes of gun violence would be a more effective approach.
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