I’m reaching with some important news: Senate Bill 5098 (Restricting Firearms in Sensitive Places) will be heard by the Senate Law & Justice Committee on Tuesday, January 14th at 8:00 AM with a vote shortly after! SB 5098 protects families by keeping open carry firearms out of our parks, playgrounds, county fairgrounds, and public buildings. The presence of firearms and fear of gun violence in our public spaces has the potential to increase the lethality of otherwise mundane situations – this risk is especially heightened in parks and other public spaces where children are present. According to one study, states that loosened their gun laws to allow firearms in most places saw a 13% to 15% increase in crime 10 years later compared to if they had not passed those laws. By focusing on these public, high traffic areas, SB 5098 will help protect children, families and communities from gun violence while creating safe and welcoming public spaces for everyone.
In order for this bill to get voted into law, it first must make it out of committee. Please take a second out of your day to reach out to the Senate Law & Justice Committee members and urge them to vote yes on this life-saving legislation. Sharing this with your friends, family, and colleagues is another great way to spread the word. Things are moving fast, and we need all hands on deck to ensure our lawmakers understand the urgency needed to reclaim our public spaces from firearms and gun violence.
Thank you for standing with us. Your continued support makes a real difference, and I’m grateful to have you as a partner in this critical effort.
Mike (he/him)
Director of Government Affairs
ALLIANCE FOR GUN RESPONSIBILITY
P.O. Box 4187 Seattle, WA 98194