Senate Committee Considers Bill Restricting Untraceable Ghost Guns [VIDEO]

Concerning: An act relating to limiting ghost guns, including untraceable firearms and untraceable
unfinished frames and receivers that can be used to manufacture or assemble untraceable
firearms. Engrossed Substitute Bill (pdf)
Sponsors: House Committee on Civil Rights & Judiciary (originally sponsored by Representatives Berry, Valdez, Ryu, Fitzgibbon, Berg, Bateman, Duerr, Walen, Callan, Davis, Taylor, Macri, Peterson, Ramel, Ramos, Santos, Senn, Simmons, Slatter, Bergquist, Tharinger, Pollet, Frame, Harris-Talley, Hackney, and Kloba).
Effective Date: This bill has multiple effective dates.
Status: Dec 27 Prefilled for introduction in House
Feb 10 1st substitute bill substituted
Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.
Third reading, passed; yeas, 57; nays, 39; absent, 0; excused, 2. (View Roll Calls Below)
Moves to the Senate

Committee Materials

Original Bill
Substitute Bill
Engrossed Substitute
House Bill Analysis 2022
House Bill Report
Engrossed Substitute House Bill Report
Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill Report (Orig.)

The bill analysis and bill report are prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Brief Summary of Bill

House Bill Analysis Brief Summary

• Restricts the manufacture, assembly, sale, transfer, purchase, possession, transport, and receipt of untraceable firearms.
• Restricts the sale, transfer, purchase, possession, transport, and receipt of unfinished frames and receivers.
• Establishes standards for marking untraceable firearms and unfinished frames and receivers with serial numbers.

Senate Bill Report Brief Summary

• Restricts the manufacture, assembly, sale, transfer, purchase, possession, transport, and receipt of untraceable firearms.
• Restricts the sale, transfer, purchase, possession, transport, and receipt of unfinished frames and receivers.

Untraceable Firearms

Under Washington state law an untraceable “ghost” firearm is Washington law defines “untraceable firearms” as “any firearm manufactured after July 1, 2019, that is not an antique firearm and that cannot be traced by law enforcement by means of a serial number affixed to the firearm by a federally licensed manufacturer or importer.” (RCW 9.41.010(35).)

Washington prohibits the manufacture of an untraceable firearm with intent to sell. A violation
of this restriction is punishable as a class C felony. (RCW 9.41.190(1)(d), (5).)

More on Ghost Guns:

Definition of “Frame or Receiver” and Identification of Firearms
Ghost Guns: Profits for Illegal Manufacturers, Concealment for Criminals and Terrorists Worldwide
ATF’s Proposed Rule Would Stem the Rise of Unregulated Ghost Guns

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Unless otherwise noted, the above information was obtained from the official Washington State Legislative website. Future meetings are subject to change. Auburn representatives in bold.