Washington Republicans voice strong opposition to Second Substitute House Bill 1163, a gun control measure backed by Attorney General Nick Brown, which seeks to mandate a five-year permittance process for gun buyers, contingent upon completing certified firearms safety training. As the bill advances through the Senate, critics argue it could lead to costly barriers for prospective gun owners, with estimates suggesting the permit could cost around $200, disproportionately affecting lower-income individuals.
AG Brown contends that the legislation is a necessary step to protect public safety and reduce gun violence, emphasizing that current measures are insufficient. The bill, however, has sparked fears among opponents about potential infringement on constitutional rights and increased legal disputes, with Senator Jeff Holy labeling it as “egregious” and predicting it will provoke litigation against the state.
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