The State That Knows Better About How You Should Store Your Firearms

Published on January 5, 2025
Duration: 10:34

Washington House Bill 1152 significantly alters firearm storage laws in Washington State. It mandates specific requirements for storing firearms in vehicles, including the use of locked, opaque, hard-sided containers fixed within the vehicle. For home storage, firearms must be securely stored when not carried or readily controlled, either by being locked/disabled or kept in a locked safe. The bill removes the previous exception for reporting lost or stolen firearms to avoid criminal liability.

Quick Summary

Washington House Bill 1152 mandates specific firearm storage rules: in vehicles, unloaded firearms must be in locked, opaque, hard-sided containers fixed within the vehicle and concealed. For homes, firearms must be securely stored when not carried, either locked/disabled or in a gun safe. The bill removes the prior protection for reporting lost/stolen firearms.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to WA HB 1152
  2. 00:52Video Sponsor: Taylor Freelance
  3. 02:24House Bill 1152 Overview
  4. 02:51New Vehicle Firearm Storage Rules (Pistols)
  5. 04:02New Vehicle Firearm Storage Rules (Rifles/Shotguns)
  6. 04:50Vehicle Container Exclusions (Glove Box, Console)
  7. 05:11Mandatory Home Firearm Storage Rules
  8. 06:43Exemptions from Storage Requirements
  9. 06:51Definition of 'Carried or Readily Controlled'
  10. 07:10Penalties for Improper Storage
  11. 07:29Removal of Lost/Stolen Firearm Reporting Exception
  12. 09:12Critique of the Legislation
  13. 09:38Bill Number and Next Steps
  14. 09:50Contacting Washington Gun Law

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the new requirements for storing firearms in vehicles in Washington State under HB 1152?

Under Washington House Bill 1152, pistols must be stored unloaded in an opaque, locked, hard-sided container fixed within the vehicle and concealed from view. Rifles and shotguns have similar requirements, with soft-sided containers needing an additional trigger lock. The vehicle must also be locked.

How does Washington HB 1152 change home firearm storage laws?

House Bill 1152 mandates that firearms in residences must be securely stored when not carried or readily controlled. This means they must either be locked or disabled with a safety device to render them inoperable by unauthorized persons and kept out of sight, or stored within a locked gun safe.

What is considered 'securely stored' for firearms in a Washington residence under HB 1152?

Secure storage means the firearm is either locked or disabled using a tamper-resistant mechanical lock or safety device, properly engaged to make it inoperable by unauthorized users and kept out of plain sight. Alternatively, it can be stored within a locked gun safe or similar locked container.

Does reporting a lost or stolen firearm still protect you from criminal liability in Washington under HB 1152?

No, Washington House Bill 1152 removes the previous statutory exception that allowed individuals to avoid criminal liability by immediately reporting a lost or stolen firearm. Reporting it now may be considered self-incrimination.

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