A gun-safety bill (HB 1498) sponsored by Rep. Ross Hunter (D-Medina), was signed into law Thursday, April 30 by Gov. Chris Gregoire.

The bill strengthens current laws that restrict possession only for those with mental illness who are involuntarily committed for 90 or more days.

The bill, which Hunter has worked on for two years, brings Washington into compliance with the federal Brady Law and establishes a clear process for such persons to regain their right to possess firearms after seeking voluntary treatment. It was that due process provision that moved the National Rifle Association to drop their opposition to the bill.

“This is a simple matter of safety and common sense,” says Hunter. “Those who are judged to be a danger to themselves or to others should not be able to purchase a firearm. If that person gets the treatment they need and becomes healthy again, they should have their rights restored. End of story.”

Previous attempts by other legislators to pass similar legislation were frequently stalled and ultimately defeated. But Hunter’s HB 1498 passed with overwhelming bi-partisan support. The House unanimously passed the bill in March and the Senate passed the bill 39-1 earlier this month.

Washington Ceasefire reports the new law will keep guns out of the hands of approximately 4,000 Washington residents found to be in need of mental health treatment.

“We lose on average one person a day to suicide with a gun in this state and we know that a gun in the house increases the likelihood of a successful suicide by 500%,” says Ralph Fascitelli, President of Washington Ceasefire. “The collective efforts of Washington Ceasefire and Representative Hunter to take guns away from several thousand clinically diagnosed mentally ill people will possibly save dozens of lives in the following years in terms of fewer suicides.”

In celebration of the bill’s passage, the organization plans to honor Hunter at its annual awards luncheon on May 14.