Senate Democrats push for mandatory training for conceal-carry permit

OLYMPIA -- A proposal by Senate Democrats would require concealed pistol license applicants to complete a safety course.

Senate Bill 6294 would require conceal-carry permit holders to complete a eight hours of training that would include safe handling and storage of firearms, state laws regarding the use of deadly force, conflict resolution, suicide prevention and live-fire shooting exercises.

Presently, conceal-carry permits are valid for five years and require only a criminal background check by local law enforcement and for the applicant to be over the age of 21.

Under the proposed law, con...