On Tuesday, Feb. 2, I met with the legislators of the 5th Legislative to promote HB 1501.

HB 1501 is known as an Active Alert bill. It will close the gap between retailers and law enforcement when prohibited gun buyers fail a background check.

This victim protection bill is simply about implementing and enforcing existing laws. It would provide crime victims a warning when their attacker tries to buy a gun. It would also alert law enforcement and prosecutors, giving them the information and resources they need to investigate.

I am pleased that HB 1501 is receiving broad bipartisan support and is being backed by advocates for victims of domestic violence and police organizations (including sheriffs, chiefs, and line-level officers). On Feb. 16, the State House Judiciary Committee, including Representatives Graves and Rodne, unanimously voted to move this bill forward to the next steps in the State House.

I encourage my Snoqualmie Valley neighbors of all political stripes to support it, too.

Gretchen Richter

Fall City