Washingtonians who haven't yet cast their ballots still have a chance to weigh in on a sweeping package of gun regulations in a statewide ballot measure, Initiative 1639. Here's a look at the proposal.
OLYMPIA — Washingtonians who haven’t yet cast their ballots still have a chance to weigh in on a sweeping package of gun regulations in a statewide ballot measure, Initiative 1639.
Completed ballots must be postmarked or placed in a ballot drop box by 8 p.m. Tuesday. Here’s a review of the proposal.
Q: What would the initiative do?
A:
I-1639[1] would raise the legal age to buy any semi-automatic rifle to 21, from 18. People wanting one would also have to pass an enhanced background check, show proof that they have taken a firearms-training course, and wait 10 business days before they take possession of the weapon.Most Read Local Stories
Unlimited Digital Access. $1 for 4 weeks.[2]The initiative defines a semi-automatic rifle as one that uses energy from firing a cartridge to chamber the next round and requires “a separate pull of the trigger” to fire each bullet. Long guns that use manual operations — such as pumps, slides, levers or bolts — to chamber a round would still be available for people to purchase at age 18. (You currently have to be 21 to buy a handgun in Washington.)
The initiative allows the state to require firearms dealers to charge up to $25 to purchasers of a semi-automatic rifle to offset the costs of complying with the regulations. That fee could go up over time.
The initiative also directs the state to begin developing a process to check at least annually to make sure owners of handguns and
