Gun Control Supporters to Form Lobbying Coalition - NBC Right Now/KNDO/KNDU Tri-Cities, Yakima, WA |

OLYMPIA, Wash. - Gun control advocates in the state are forming a coalition to lobby state lawmakers.

Democratic consultant Christian Sinderman said Tuesday the group will focus on supporting a plan to expand background checks.
    
The Washington Alliance for Gun Responsibility will officially launch next week.

Gun buyers must currently undergo a background check when the buy a weapon from a federally licensed firearms dealer. Under a new bill, background checks would be extended to private gun sales.
    
The National Rifle Association is pressuring lawmakers to reject the idea.