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Category » Initiative 594 Gun Sales and Transfers

There were 7 questions found in this category:

1. What is Initiative 594 (I-594)?
   I-594 is an initiative approved by the voters on November 4, 2014, concerning criminal safety and background checks for gun sales and transfers. Most of I-594's requirements are codified in state law at RCW 9.41.
2. What was the intent of I-594?
   Section 1 of the initiative recognizes that felons, persons convicted of domestic violence crimes, and persons dangerously mentally ill (as determined by a court) should not be able to possess guns. The intent of the initiative was to strengthen criminal and public safety background check requi ...
3. What is meant by "direct supervision and control of a responsible adult" in I-594?
   I-594 exempts from the background check requirement the temporary transfer of a firearm to a person who is under eighteen years of age for lawful hunting, sporting, or educational purposes while under the direct supervision and control of a responsible adult who is not prohibited from possessing ...
4. Is a temporary transfer of a firearm at a shooting range subject to I-594's background check requirement?
   No. Section 3(4)(f) of the initiative (RCW 9.41.113(4)(f)) exempts from the background check requirement a temporary transfer that occurs at an established shooting range authorized by the governing body of the jurisdiction in which the range is located, if the firearm is kept at the range at al ...
5. What is "an established shooting range authorized by the governing body of the jurisdiction in which the range is located?"
   The initiative’s requirement that a shooting range be “established” in order for the exemption to apply likely requires that the shooting range includes some infrastructure or facilities, or some formal action to indicate that the person or entity who owns or controls the prope ...
6. What is the geographic scope of the exemption for "an established shooting range?" Does it include only those areas where the firearms are actually fired?
   The geographic scope of the exemption for “an established shooting range” would include areas where the firearms are actually fired, as well as any associated infrastructure on the property where such firearms would ordinarily be handled or stored, such as firearm safes or lockers, c ...
7. Does Initiative 594's background check requirement apply to handoffs of firearms to or between hunters?
   It would depend on the specific circumstances of the handoff. To begin with, WDFW does not believe that short term handoffs of a firearm where the recipient is not allowed to fully control or use the firearm qualify as “transfers” within the meaning of I-594. So, for example, where o ...