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Republicans call proposed gun restrictions 'wrong path,' raise concerns about penalties for gun crimes
Summary
Leaders said they are concerned about proposals requiring permits to purchase, safe‑storage rules and ammunition limits, arguing Washington already has strict laws; they also criticized a bill referenced as reducing sentences for gun offenses and said penalties must hold criminals accountable.
Reporters asked Republican leaders about a same‑day press conference on proposed gun laws, including a permit‑to‑purchase bill by Rep. Liz Berry and other measures on safe storage and ammunition limits. Leaders said they support addressing gun violence but oppose additional restrictions on law‑abiding citizens.
"We are all genuinely concerned about gun violence," Sen. John Braun said, "but let's be clear. We are one of the most restrictive states in the country on access to firearms... And in spite of that, we continue to have a rise in violent crime." He argued that focusing on restricting rights of lawful gun owners while weakening penalties for people who use guns in crimes (the transcript referenced a bill identified as Senate Bill 5269) is counterproductive.
Another senator said penalties for using guns during crimes should be strengthened, not reduced, and framed the dispute as one between enhancing criminal accountability and broad restrictions on firearms. No specific votes or committee actions were announced at the availability; leaders said they will review bills in committee and voiced skepticism about measures they view as constitutionally questionable.
