Current "watch list" to keep track of firearm legislation- updated 25 Feb

[huntrights]

http://www.leg.wa.gov/legislature/pages/cutoff.aspx

2013 Session Cutoff Calendar

February 22, 2013
Last day to read in committee reports in house of origin, except House fiscal committees and Senate Ways & Means and Transportation committees.

This will allow us to focus and concentrate efforts on the remainder.

Grabbed these off my scratch pad to look into -

HB 1588
Requiring universal background checks for firearms transfers
SJM 8006
Promoting the use of the Eddie Eagle GunSafe Program in preschools, early learning programs, and schools.
SB 5660
Regarding firearms safety education programs.
SB 5376
Concerning juvenile firearms and weapons crimes.
HB 1096 (H-1378.2)
Concerning juvenile firearms and weapons crimes.

I called Senator Parlette's office today.  Her assistant said the Eddie Eagle Bill was never scheduled for a hearing, so it will die today.  I wish we knew about that one sooner.

[Windwalker]

DAMIT!

[huntrights]

There have been so many legislative attacks on our rights, the one good Bill got lost in the dust.

[csaaphill]

  not surprised.
10 years people that's what I give the 2nd that's all.
regular guns like a .280 remington will have to be turned in or registered mark my words.
Rise now or regret not later.

[huntrights]

Maybe the Eddie Eagle Bill SJM 8006 is still alive; it may have gone through at the last minute.

http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summary.aspx?bill=8006&year=2013

SJM 8006 - 2013-14
Promoting the use of the Eddie Eagle GunSafe Program in preschools, early learning programs, and schools.



History of the Bill
 as of Sunday, February 24, 2013 11:59 AM

Sponsors:

Senators Chase, McAuliffe, Nelson, Kohl-Welles, Conway, Parlette

2013 REGULAR SESSION

Feb 7  First reading, referred to Early Learning & K-12 Education.

Feb 21  Public hearing and executive action taken in the Senate Committee on Early Learning & K-12 Education at 5:30 PM. (Committee Materials)

Feb 22  EDU - Majority; do pass.

Majority Report: Do pass
Signed by Senators Litzow, Chair; Dammeier, Vice Chair; Brown, Cleveland, Fain, Hill, McAuliffe, Ranking Member; Mullet, and Rivers.

Minority; without recommendation.
Minority Report: That it be referred without recommendation
Signed by Senators Billig and Rolfes, Assistant Ranking Member.

Passed to Rules Committee for second reading


Link to Bill:

http://apps.leg.wa.gov/documents/billdocs/2013-14/Pdf/Bills/Senate%20Joint%20Memorials/8006-Eddie%20Eagle%20GunSafe%20Program.pdf

[Windwalker]

From the website of the Washington House Republicans:
http://houserepublicans.wa.gov/uncategorized/dead-alive/

    “Friday, Feb. 22 was the first deadline in the 105-day session. Bills without fiscal implications are considered dead that did not pass policy committees. Bills currently in fiscal committees (Appropriations, Finance, Capital Budget and Transportation) have until March 1 to move forward. Read through the list of “good” and “bad” bills we’ve been watching and their current status.”

BILLS THAT ARE DEAD:

House Bill 1147 Modifying unlawful possession of a firearm. House Bill 1147 would make 2nd degree unlawful possession of a firearm by an adult a predicate offense for 1st degree unlawful possession of a firearm except where the 2nd degree conviction was based on a gross misdemeanor rather than a felony conviction. Public Hearing in House Judiciary Committee

House Bill 1729 Prohibiting the possession of firearms by a criminal street gang associate or member. House Bill 1729 would include possession of a firearm by a criminal street gang member or associate as defined in RCW 9.94A.030, as a prong of Unlawful Possession of a Firearm 2. Did Not Receive a Public Hearing in House Judiciary Committee

House Bill 1730 Drive-by shootings. House Bill 1730 would add drive-by shooting to the list of serious offenses, i.e., a strike. Did Not Receive a Public Hearing in House Public Safety Committee

House Bill 1732 Gangs/sentence enhancement. House Bill 1732 proposed a sentencing enhancement to mirror the current gun enhancement of 60 months for a class A felony, 36 months for a class B and 18 months for a class C felony. Did Not Receive a Public Hearing in House Public Safety Committee

BILLS THAT ARE ALIVE:

House Bill 1612 Concerning information on firearm offenders. House Bill 1612 requires WSP to maintain a central registry of firearm offenders. Firearm offenders are persons who have been convicted or found not guilty by reason of insanity in this state of various felony firearm offenses listed in the act or of unlawful possession of a loaded rifle or shotgun in a vehicle, or unlawful use of a loaded firearm. The registry is only for law enforcement purposes and is not subject to public disclosure, and requiring registration is at the discretion of the court. Passed House Judiciary Committee; In House Rules Committee 

House Bill 1096 Concerning juvenile firearms and weapons crimes. House Bill 1096 increases the penalties for juveniles found to be in Unlawful Possession of a Firearm and restricts existing disposition alternatives for juvenile firearm offenses, which were all good elements of the underlying bill. However, the proposed substitute also creates a disposition alternative specific to firearm offenders, which provides additional opportunities for juveniles who commit violent offenses to avoid confinement. Passed House Judiciary Committee; Public Hearing in House Appropriations Committee

House Bill 1588 Broadening background checks for firearm purchases. House Bill 1588 requires a background check on the sale of a firearm when both the seller and purchaser are not licensed as dealers and the purchaser doesn’t have a valid Washington concealed pistol license and requires the background check to be conducted by a dealer or a local law enforcement. Passed House Judiciary Committee; In House Rules Committee

[huntrights]

HB1588 and HB 1612 need to be defeated.

Not sure about HB1096

Keep writing.

[csaaphill]

1588 but still not sure on 1612.
kind of surprised the anti gang bills didn't get a hearing.

[huntrights]

HB1612 is AN ACT Relating to firearm offenders.
All of the firearm offenses listed in HB1612 are felonies except those related to RCW 77.15.460 (Loaded rifle or shotgun in vehicle …), which many times are hunting violations or honest mistakes.  I believe this is a misdemeanor.  Minor violations should not end up on a central registry of firearm offenders.

We should be concerned about the potential abuse of a central registry such as this.  Although it is not supposed to be available to the public, one successful Freedom of Information Act lawsuit could quickly change that.  Please remember the vicious media abuse of law-abiding gun permit holders that had their names and addresses published on the internet in maps by the Journal News in New York.  I believe there is an issue with  HB1612 because of the inclusion of non-felony violations and that there is too much risk of abuse of such a central registry.

During the public hearings, it was explained that a judge would decide who would go on the list based on three criteria: previous criminal history, previously found guilty, or evidence of propensity for violence.  A concern expressed during the public meeting was that there are judges that are definitely anti-gun, so there would be the likelihood of inconsistent application of the law regarding who goes on the list.

I believe these are two major issues: possible abuse of a central registry and who goes on the list.  Central registries are NOT good for those who end up on “the list”; remember Nazi Germany.

[bigtex]

1612 is backed by both Democrats AND Republicans. Only Rep Shea voted against it in the Judiciary Committee.

[blackdog]

Hb1588 is bad, 1612 unneeded and HB 1096 is a good bill but costs money.

[csaaphill]

I care less that both sides support something.
Unconstitutional laws are bad no matter what. Or undeeded laws are bad no matter what. Were heading down the same slope others headed but people thought oh well it's for our own good right?

[csaaphill]

here is a newer letter email i just sent
let me know what you think
it was in my own words
sorry i didn't add the list here to see but in my email the list was 1588,1612, 5737, and one other 5635.
Dear sirs as a concerned citizen of the United states I write today to encourage you to oppose these listed bills. While some have noted that 1588 does not infringe upon our constitutional rights, those people would be very wrong. Asking a law abiding citizen to jump through hoops in order to exercise a right is in odds with the original intent of that right. Limiting Law abiding citizens with undue and unwanted labor, and time consuming steps to do something that is inherently permission granted: to now having to ask permission is entirely at odd with what our founding father's had envisioned for our country. I have written many times before on these issues and have received nothing more than excuses as to why they feel these steps are important, and undermine mine or anyone else's feelings. We are a Republic not a Democracy, our Forefathers gave us a Republic that was to protect the rights of the minority from the majority. When you vote against those that say no to these bills and vote with what you believe is the majority you ignore the others that have said no to these kind of bills or infringements.
When you ignore the minority you also alienate the ones that also help pay your salaries.
You also tell us/me that your voice is unimportant, and that the majority is to have absolute rule.
This law would not have prevented what happened in Connecticut at all and would bring upon those that say no to this unjust, and undue Burdon when we want to loan a firearm out to a friend when going to the range, out target shooting, or deer hunting. If ignoring us is what you call representing all that have voted for you, then no wonder people have a hard time respecting our elected officials.
I say 1612 is another one of those feel good bills that would bring about a centralized registry and target unjustly some people that have spent years trying to undo one bad decision. Since we have a current anti gun panel of judges, this one would again be used to discriminate those that now have no voice. Yes we can say "Oh well they deserve what they get because they violated a law", but to keep punishing someone for something that may be years in the past is not protecting others, it is in fact alienating one other sect.
5737 Is an outright infringement on our second amendment rights. This bill limits what a person could chose to defend himself with. People keep calling these weapons of war, which in fact is furthest from the truth. I have also noted in this bill that only allows one to keep this type of firearm in transit from their home to range, and back again. I have first hand knowledge this firearm is used to hunt with as well. These firearms are modern firearms, and have as much sporting use as a bolt action rifle does. Again would not have prevented Sandy hook.
5635 is another one of those bills that should not pass. When someone fulfills the needed time and rehabilitation they should not have to jump through more hoops in order to prove they are responsible citizens. Especially in today's anti gun climate there is no guarantee that no bias would occur on this kind of subject.
As it is now, with the prosecutor, and judge being the ones who decide if in fact the person in question validates he/she is responsible or not is fair. This process now is the correct method on deciding these issues and should not be up to those who are politically agenda minded.
Again I ask that you not ignore those that hold the minority, and alienate further those who you serve. For that is what is supposed to be the truth you serve us not the other way around.

[huntrights]

Speaking from the heart is very powerful.  I believe the points you made reflect how most people in our ranks are feeling with this onsaught of attacks on our rights and freedoms.

Thank you.

Keep writing.

[bigtex]

Maybe the Eddie Eagle Bill SJM 8006 is still alive; it may have gone through at the last minute.

The bill is still alive. It was made eligible for a Senate vote on 2/25.

This bill is not a "law" bill but essentially just a memo to be sent to schools....