On March 29, House Bill 1016 passed in the Washington Senate by a 47 to 0 vote and on February 7, it passed in the state House by an 88 to 4 vote.  Sponsored by state Representative Brian Blake (D-19), NRA member and staunch supporter of firearm rights, HB 1016 would legalize the use of firearm suppressors.  This bill now goes to Governor Chris Gregoire’s desk for her consideration. 

Washington law does not regulate the possession of firearm suppressors.  However, it is currently a gross misdemeanor crime for any person to use a suppressor, forcing owners of suppressors to travel out of state to use their legally-owned property.  HB 1016 simply legalizes the use of suppressors, as long as the suppressor is possessed in accordance with federal law.  

Anyone who has ever fired a gun knows that gunfire is loud.  It can cause immediate and permanent hearing loss. While suppressors do not eliminate the sound of a firearm, they do reduce the muzzle report of the gun much in the same way that a muffler reduces exhaust noise from a car or truck. There are many benefits to suppressors: they can increase accuracy, they make shooting more enjoyable by lessening felt recoil and reducing muzzle blast, they protect shooters’ hearing, and they help to reduce noise complaints from neighbors.  

Your NRA will continue to update you as HB 1016 progresses.