Hello John, 

Washington has led the nation on gun violence prevention, and in 2026, we’re building on that progress. As you’re probably aware, firearms remain the leading cause of death for children and teens in Washington and across the country. Too many of these tragedies are preventable. This legislative session, we’re prioritizing policies that stop gun violence before it happens, strengthen accountability, and protect families and communities statewide.

Our top priority: Safe Storage (HB 1152)

Safe firearm storage is one of the most effective, immediate ways to prevent gun violence, especially youth suicides, unintentional shootings, and school-based incidents.

In Washington, most children who die by firearm suicide use a gun that was accessed at home. Many school shootings nationally have followed the same pattern: a firearm that was unsecured, accessible, and never meant to be in a child’s hands.

HB 1152 helps set clear, statewide standards for storing firearms in vehicles and residences, so fewer families experience a tragedy that could have been prevented.

What HB 1152 does:

• Strengthen and clarify requirements for secure storage, particularly in homes and vehicles.
• Close gaps that allow preventable access to firearms during moments of crisis.
• Reinforce accountability when unsafe storage leads to harm, while prioritizing education and prevention.
• Support public education so families have tools, resources, and information to store firearms safely.

Why it matters:

• Safe storage reduces youth firearm suicides and unintentional shootings.
• States with strong safe storage laws see fewer gun deaths among children and teens.
• Safe storage laws are associated with reductions in school shootings and firearm theft.
• Most firearm owners already support safe storage. This aligns law with firearm best practice.

Alongside safe storage, we’re working to move additional policies that reduce risk and strengthen accountability:

• Hold Dealers Accountable (SB 5099) — Strengthens accountability to prevent illegal or irresponsible sales that put communities at risk
• Bulk Firearm Purchases (HB 1132) — Addresses high-volume purchasing practices that can fuel trafficking and diversion into illegal markets
• Violence Prevention Services (SB 5273) — Supports prevention efforts and services that help stop violence before it happens
• 3D Printed Guns (HB 2320) - Strengthens Washington’s laws around the manufacturing of firearms using 3D printers, CNC milling machines, and digital firearm files.

We’ll be updating our advocacy page throughout session as bills move. If you’re not already signed up for email updates, now is the time, because we’ll be reaching out when it’s time to contact lawmakers, submit testimony, and take action at key turning points. If you want to get started now, here’s what you can do:

Thanks for being part of this work. The progress Washington has made is real and measurable. Together, we can protect it and build on common-sense policy.

In solidarity,

Mike McIntyre

Director of Government Affairs

ALLIANCE FOR GUN RESPONSIBILITY
P.O. Box 4187 Seattle, WA 98194

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