OLYMPIA, Wash. — Members of the state House of Representatives heard public opinion on a list of gun-related bills Tuesday morning, drawing passionate testimony from people on both sides of the gun-control debate.
House Bill 1902 would require permits for gun buyers and House Bill 2054 limits gun purchases to one per month. Gun dealers would have to follow new state safety and security guidelines under House Bill 2118, gun owners would have to report lost or stolen firearms within 24 hours under House Bill 1903, and the Washington State Patrol would be required to destroy any guns seized or forfeited under House Bill 2021.
A number of people impacted by gun violence testified in favor of the new restrictions.
Jim Parsons’ daughter, Carrie Parsons, died in the October 1, 2017, mass shooting on the Las Vegas strip. He testified in favor of the bill requiring gun buyers have permits.
”My wife Anne Marie and I are dedicated to actively supporting common sense gun legislation so that other families, parents, and their children can be safe from the tragic events and heartbreak our family endured,” said Jim Parsons.
Jane Milhans testified against the bill saying it might delay someone from getting a firearm for self-defense.
”I’m sitting before you as a survivor of a horrific home invasion by two men. Can you fight two men with your hands?" Milhans asked House members. “It is a woman’s right to protect herself with firearms because it levels the fight between her and her attackers.”