HB1676 – AN ACT Relating to safe storage of firearms

[huntrights]

HB1676 – AN ACT Relating to safe storage of firearms

http://www.nraila.org/legislation/state-legislation/2013/2/washington-your-immediate-action-is-needed-to-defeat-numerous-anti-gun-bills.aspx

“House Bill 1676, [ http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summary.aspx?year=2013&bill=1676 ] [ http://apps.leg.wa.gov/documents/billdocs/2013-14/Pdf/Bills/House%20Bills/1676.pdf ]sponsored by state Representative Ruth Kagi (D-32) and thirteen other state Representatives, is a so-called “child access prevention” bill which would single out the storage of firearms for criminalization under certain circumstances.

Today, fatal firearms accidents are at an all-time low. Firearm storage legislation ignores the fact that Washington firearm owners are extremely responsible with their firearms and that firearms are involved in a disproportionately low number of fatal accidents among children. Children are about thirteen times more likely to die as a result of drowning, thirteen times more likely to die by suffocation and about seven times more likely to die in a fire than to be fatally injured with a firearm in the state.

Not only is HB 1676 misguided in that it is demonizes firearms, it is also unwarranted. Washington’s current reckless endangerment statute [ http://apps.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=9A.36.050 ]already provides a remedy to address the rare incident of negligent storage. More significant, however, is the civil remedy available [ http://apps.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=4.24.010 ]which provides for civil action by the parents of a minor child who is injured or killed. The prospect of losing your own child, or facing civil litigation brought by the parents of a young victim, should serve as greater motivation to store firearms responsibly than the criminal penalty provided in this legislation.”

[RG]

I don't agree with legislating the details of firearm storage but I do think people could do a much better job of keeping their weapons secure.  Every year hundreds and hundreds of guns are stolen in burglaries in Snohomish County alone.  They all end up in the wrong hands.  I don't think it's so much a safety issue here as it is an issue of arming the bad guys. 

[huntrights]

I don't agree with legislating the details of firearm storage but I do think people could do a much better job of keeping their weapons secure.  Every year hundreds and hundreds of guns are stolen in burglaries in Snohomish County alone.  They all end up in the wrong hands.  I don't think it's so much a safety issue here as it is an issue of arming the bad guys.

Be careful of legislation titles that sound benign and seem to ‘make sense’.  Gun owners are under a relentless attack by the anti-gun factions in our legislature.  I believe the NRA summed up this legislation very well.

[washelkhunter]

I'm all for "safe" storage. In fact i would be very appreciative if the legislature would authorize a refund to us gun owners for the entire purchase price of a new gun safe. Afterall its for the safety of the children!   

[huntrights]

I'm all for "safe" storage. In fact i would be very appreciative if the legislature would authorize a refund to us gun owners for the entire purchase price of a new gun safe. Afterall its for the safety of the children!   

All of us are for safe storage of firearms.  Please read the NRA assessment of this legislation.  It is not needed.

We are being flooded with opportunistic gun-control legislation.

[huntrights]

Please consider communicating with the House Judiciary Committee and your representatives to respectfully ask them to oppose HB1676 – AN ACT Relating to safe storage of firearms.  Feel free to copy and paste the message or write your own.

http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summary.aspx?year=2013&bill=1676

http://apps.leg.wa.gov/documents/billdocs/2013-14/Pdf/Bills/House%20Bills/1676.pdf


Copy and paste House Judiciary Committee email addresses:

jamie.pedersen@leg.wa.gov; drew.hansen@leg.wa.gov; jay.rodne@leg.wa.gov; steve.oban@leg.wa.gov; roger.goodman@leg.wa.gov; mike.hope@leg.wa.gov; laurie.jinkins@leg.wa.gov; steve.kirby@leg.wa.gov; brad.klippert@leg.wa.gov; terry.nealey@leg.wa.gov; tina.orwall@leg.wa.gov; maryhelen.roberts@leg.wa.gov; matt.shea@leg.wa.gov


Copy and paste subject:

Please Oppose HB1676 - AN ACT Relating to safe storage of firearms


Copy and Paste message:

Dear members of the House Judiciary Committee:

I am writing to respectfully ask that you oppose HB1676 – AN ACT Relating to safe storage of firearms.

The opportunistic anti-gun/gun-control legislation flooding our legislative assemblies is riding on a wave of emotional hysteria brought on by the tragedy in Connecticut.  Anti-gun legislators and others that have been misguided by the emotional currents will squeeze as much out of this emotionally based opportunity as they can.  We are experiencing an unjustified and blatant demonizing and vilification of firearms and firearm owners as a result.  This translates into significant threats to our Bill of Rights.

Please resist the temptation to jump on the emotional bandwagon by pursuing any legislation that further restricts our rights or abilities to legally own and use firearms.  This would include prejudiced taxes or fees, restrictions on the purchase of ammunition or reloading supplies, registration of firearms, dictating storage of firearms, etc.

House Bill 1676, sponsored by state Representative Ruth Kagi (D-32) and thirteen other state Representatives, is a so-called “child access prevention” bill which would single out the storage of firearms for criminalization under certain circumstances.

Today, fatal firearms accidents are at an all-time low. Firearm storage legislation ignores the fact that Washington firearm owners are extremely responsible with their firearms and that firearms are involved in a disproportionately low number of fatal accidents among children. Children are about thirteen times more likely to die as a result of drowning, thirteen times more likely to die by suffocation and about seven times more likely to die in a fire than to be fatally injured with a firearm in the state.

Not only is HB 1676 misguided in that it is demonizes firearms, it is also unwarranted. Washington’s current reckless endangerment statute (RCW 9A.36.050) already provides a remedy to address the rare incident of negligent storage. More significant, however, is the civil remedy available (RCW 4.24.010) which provides for civil action by the parents of a minor child who is injured or killed. The prospect of losing your own child, or facing civil litigation brought by the parents of a young victim, should serve as greater motivation to store firearms responsibly than the criminal penalty provided in this legislation.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

[Your contact information]


---------------------------------------------------------

Also, please consider contacting your state Senator and Representatives to respectfully ask them to oppose HB1676 should it make it to the House floor.  You can use the same text that was used for the email to the House Judiciary Committee.

http://app.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder/

[RG]

I don't agree with legislating the details of firearm storage but I do think people could do a much better job of keeping their weapons secure.  Every year hundreds and hundreds of guns are stolen in burglaries in Snohomish County alone.  They all end up in the wrong hands.  I don't think it's so much a safety issue here as it is an issue of arming the bad guys.

Be careful of legislation titles that sound benign and seem to ‘make sense’.  Gun owners are under a relentless attack by the anti-gun factions in our legislature.  I believe the NRA summed up this legislation very well.

I never said I want them to "legislate" safe storage, in fact I said "I don't agree".   My point again, is,...  people need to do a better job of storing their guns because hundreds are getting stolen every year in Snohomish County alone.  I see the paperwork...  It's a personal responsibility thing, if you want to own them then take care of them, then nobody needs to legislate it.  The burglars and thieves love these people because guns and gold jewelry buy a lot of heroin.

[huntrights]

I don't agree with legislating the details of firearm storage but I do think people could do a much better job of keeping their weapons secure.  Every year hundreds and hundreds of guns are stolen in burglaries in Snohomish County alone.  They all end up in the wrong hands.  I don't think it's so much a safety issue here as it is an issue of arming the bad guys.

Be careful of legislation titles that sound benign and seem to ‘make sense’.  Gun owners are under a relentless attack by the anti-gun factions in our legislature.  I believe the NRA summed up this legislation very well.

I never said I want them to "legislate" safe storage, in fact I said "I don't agree".   My point again, is,...  people need to do a better job of storing their guns because hundreds are getting stolen every year in Snohomish County alone.  I see the paperwork...  It's a personal responsibility thing, if you want to own them then take care of them, then nobody needs to legislate it.  The burglars and thieves love these people because guns and gold jewelry buy a lot of heroin.

I agree.   

We all need to be aware that much of the gun-control legislation that is flooding our legislative assemblies is being introduced now in order to take advantage of the emotional tidal wave brought on by the tragedy in Connecticut.

Also something to be aware of is that if legislation has components of 'control', we will be losing more of our freedom.  Remember the proverb, "How do you eat an elephant? ... Answer: One bite at a time."

[csaaphill]

done but it does get tiring doesn't it. and to think it's only begining.

[hughjorgan]

Done as well. It does get old, I hate politicians!

[csaaphill]

Politicians suck ya. truly both sides but one less than the other.

[Elkaholic daWg]

I'm all for "safe" storage. In fact i would be very appreciative if the legislature would authorize a refund to us gun owners for the entire purchase price of a new gun safe. Afterall its for the safety of the children!   

 DAMN! Already bought mine1....and Done!

[csaaphill]

keep fighting people