Washington's Most Dystopian Gun Control Law Yet

Published on January 9, 2024
Duration: 10:12

William Kirk of Washington Gun Law details HB 2118, a Washington state bill imposing severe, potentially crippling regulations on Federal Firearms Licensees (FFLs). The legislation mandates extensive physical security upgrades and 24/7 video and audio surveillance, mirroring California's SB2. Kirk argues these requirements are financially unfeasible, especially for small and home-based FFLs, and constitute a dystopian overreach designed to eliminate these businesses.

Quick Summary

Washington's HB 2118 imposes severe, potentially crippling regulations on Federal Firearms Licensees (FFLs), mandating extensive physical security upgrades and 24/7 video and audio surveillance. The bill, mirroring California's SB2, is criticized for its high compliance costs and lack of exceptions for home-based FFLs, which could lead to business closures.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Intro: HB 2118's Dystopian Threat to FFLs
  2. 01:01HB 2118: Sponsors and California SB2 Precedent
  3. 01:49Mandatory FFL Building & Surveillance Requirements
  4. 02:48Required Physical Security Features for FFLs
  5. 03:12Alarm System Mandates for FFLs
  6. 03:39Critique of Security Mandates' Financial Impact
  7. 04:31Dystopian 24/7 Video & Audio Surveillance
  8. 05:09Specifics of Surveillance System Requirements
  9. 06:06Areas Under Mandatory Surveillance
  10. 06:32Video Frame Rate, Storage, and Retention
  11. 07:23Estimated Cost of Video Storage
  12. 07:31Required Surveillance Signage
  13. 08:10Chilling Effect & Home-Based FFLs
  14. 09:22Conclusion: HB 2118 Threat & Call to Action

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main requirements of Washington's HB 2118 for Federal Firearms Licensees (FFLs)?

HB 2118 mandates significant physical security upgrades for FFL buildings, including reinforced doors and windows. It also requires 24/7 video and audio surveillance of all areas, continuous recording at 15 FPS for six years, and specific alarm system monitoring.

How does HB 2118 compare to California's gun control laws?

HB 2118 is described as a copy of California Penal Code 26806, part of California's Senate Bill 2. This precedent legislation is already facing major legal challenges, suggesting similar issues may arise with Washington's bill.

What is the potential financial impact of HB 2118 on FFLs?

The bill's extensive security and surveillance mandates could cost FFLs hundreds of thousands of dollars in retrofitting and ongoing storage costs. This is particularly burdensome for small, independent, and home-based FFLs, potentially leading to business closures.

Does HB 2118 include exceptions for home-based FFLs?

No, HB 2118 does not include any exceptions for home-based FFLs. This means their private residences would be subject to the same 24/7 video and audio surveillance requirements as commercial establishments, effectively ending their businesses.

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