New Requirements for Rifle Purchases Start July 1

Officials with The Range in Yakima are prepared for changes in state guns laws on July 1. In 2018 voters approved initiative 1639 that among other changes makes it illegal for anyone under 21-years-old to buy a semiautomatic rifle. On July 1 new provisions in the law include enhanced background check and waiting period requirements for the purchase or transfer of rifles. And Dave Killet a firearms trainer with The Range in Yakima says the law calls for firearms training before a rifle is purchased. Killet says they're currently offering the I-1639 rifle certification class on June 25 and July 6. Killet says even though businesses like The Range benefit by offering classes he says "we as a business lobbied hard for the rejection of I-1639." Killet also reminds rifle buyers that a 10 day waiting period starts on the first of July.