New Gun Law In Effect Background Checks Required

SEATTLE (AP) — Washington's new background check requirement for all firearms sales goes into effect Thursday and the group behind the new law announced its goals for the next legislative session.

The Center for Gun Responsibility, the backers of the voter-approved initiative 594, say mental health services and child safety are among their priorities in 2015.

The group says ensuring access to mental health services is a critical component to reducing gun violence. The group's president, Sandy Brown, says firearm protection orders are another top priority for the upcoming session. The group wants legislation that would provide tools to families and law enforcement to keep firearms out of the hands of mentally ill people who are a danger to themselves or others.

The group also says Washington needs a law that holds adults responsible for keeping guns out of the hands of children.