EVERETT — As of Monday, getting a semi-automatic rifle has become a little more complicated.
That’s because new rules aimed at curbing gun violence are taking effect, as a result of the voter-approved Initiative 1639. Now, buyers will need to present training certification and go through more rigorous background checks.
According to the law, the training must be sponsored by a law enforcement agency, a higher education institution, a nationally recognized organization or a firearms school with certified instructors. The law doesn’t designate any central agency to oversee firearms training.
The classes should cover basic safety, proper handling, storage, suicide prevention and state and federal firearms laws. Buyers need to prove that they completed the courses within five years of buying a semi-automatic rifle.
Buyers also will need to undergo a stricter background check, conducted by local law enforcement agencies. It will follow the same process as concealed pistol licenses, including a search for any outstanding warrants through the Washington State Patrol’s database, as well as mental health checks recorded with the Washington state Health Care Authority. Also being considered is whether a person has been found not guilty of a crime by reason of insanity.
It’s unclear how much more work the added background checks will make for sheriff’s offices and police departments. Everett Police Deputy Chief John DeRousse said he expects the number of checks to go up, but he doesn’t know yet if the department needs to expand resources to meet the demand.
“We know this will have an impact on the department but we only have estimates at this point,” DeRousse wrote in an email.
To give adequate time for the background check, buyers will need to wait 10 days until they can take the rifle home, according to the new law.
Gun owners also will need to think about how they store their firearms. Police won’t be knocking on people’s doors to see if their guns are sporting trigger locks or are locked up in a safe. But a person could be held liable if an unsecured gun was used by someone to injure themselves or others.
Other laws have already taken effect. Since the beginning of the year, people under 21 can no longer purchase semi-automatic rifles. Those between 18 and 21 can only possess them when it’s in their home, or on property they own.
A $25 fee also may be added to sales of semi-automatic rifles. The state Department of Licensing recently adopted a rule setting the fee at $18. The money will go toward the state’s general fund, and is meant to make up for the costs incurred by the state for implementing the new laws.
Zachariah Bryan: 425-339-3431; zbryan@heraldnet.com. Twitter: @zachariahtb.
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