Gun Violence Reformation
King County Smart Firearm Safety and Accountability Policy Initiative
Candidate Amiya Ingram
Policy Title:
Smart Firearm Safety and Accountability through Voluntary Tracking Technology
I. Purpose
This policy establishes King County’s commitment to promoting gun violence prevention and responsible firearm ownership through the development, incentivization, and adoption of smart tracking technology in firearms. While recognizing Washington State's firearm preemption laws, King County can lead by example through procurement standards, public safety investments, and voluntary programs that support innovation, accountability, and community safety.
II. Background
Gun violence continues to affect communities across King County, with a disproportionate impact on communities of color and young people. While Washington State law limits local firearm regulation, recent advancements in firearm tracking and smart safety technology offer new, voluntary avenues to reduce theft, prevent unlawful transfers, and aid in investigations.
The King County Executive’s Office is committed to piloting innovative, rights-respecting approaches to improving public safety. This policy supports a voluntary, incentive-based model for firearm owners, dealers, and public agencies to adopt smart gun technologies.
III. Policy Authority
This policy is enacted under the authority of the King County Executive and is implemented through:
Executive procurement authority
County public health and community safety budgets
County business licensing and public education powers
Partnerships with local law enforcement, public health agencies, and community organizations
IV. Policy Provisions
A. Smart Firearm Procurement Standards
All firearms purchased by the King County Sheriff’s Office and other County agencies must include:
Embedded tracking technology (e.g., RFID or GPS-capable chips)
Tamper-resistant serial ID systems
King County shall issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) for vendors offering compliant firearm tracking systems.
B. Voluntary Smart Firearm Incentive Program
The Department of Public Health and Department of Community and Human Services will develop a public program offering:
Rebates or subsidies for gun owners who install certified tracking or smart lock devices.
Education and awareness campaigns about responsible firearm technology.
C. Voluntary Smart Gun Dealer Certification
Gun dealers operating in unincorporated King County will be invited to participate in a “Smart Gun Retailer” program, in which:
Dealers offer optional tracking upgrades.
Participants receive recognition, marketing support, and eligibility for county-led safety partnerships.
D. Pilot and Data-Sharing Initiatives
A pilot project will be launched in partnership with the King County Sheriff’s Office to:
Test embedded tracking in firearms assigned to officers.
Evaluate benefits for recovery of lost/stolen firearms.
The county will explore anonymized, aggregate data-sharing partnerships with local universities and public safety researchers.
V. Privacy and Civil Rights Protections
King County will ensure that:
Tracking data is not accessible without owner consent or lawful warrant.
All technology partners comply with robust data privacy and cybersecurity standards.
Community input, particularly from impacted communities, is included in program development.
VI. Implementation Timeline
Phase
Timeline
Action
Phase 1
Q3 2025
Issue RFP for smart firearm procurement
Phase 2
Q4 2025
Launch voluntary firearm upgrade program
Phase 3
Q1 2026
Initiate pilot tracking project with KCSO
Phase 4
Q2 2026
Evaluate outcomes, report to County Council
VII. Reporting and Oversight
An interdepartmental working group led by the Executive’s Office will:
Monitor implementation progress
Issue a public report annually
Recommend adjustments based on findings and community feedback