Take Action: New gun bill 1588 close to passing

[bearpaw]

Wash. state bill to end private firearm sales dangerously close to passing
•   GUN CONTROL
•   FEBRUARY 9, 2013
•   BY: MIKAEL THALEN  HTTP://WWW.EXAMINER.COM/ARTICLE/WASH-STATE-BILL-TO-END-PRIVATE-FIREARM-SALES-DANGEROUSLY-CLOSE-TO-PASSING
 
HB 1588 is the legislation that would end private firearm sales in Washington state. This bill would require ALL people privately selling firearms to friends or family to pay a $20 fee to have a gun dealer or law enforcement agency process the request with absolutely no guarantee of timely processing either.

Concealed Pistol License (CPL) holders who are exempt from having to undergo background checks when purchasing from a licensed dealer, would now be required to pay the fee and wait as well when conducting a private sale despite going through the extensive FBI check to obtain the CPL in the first place.

The bill, written by Representatives Jamie Pederson (D), has picked up 36 sponsorsincluding Republican Mike Hope (R) from the 44th district. The bill is scheduled for a hearing in front of the House Judiciary Committee this Wednesday, February 13 at 8 a.m. Four of the bill's sponsors are currently committee members.

Ironically in an interview with the Seattle Times, Representative Hope admitted to occasionally carrying a gun at the Capitol while also saying he wanted guns banned there. "I would love to see it set up just like a courthouse, where we have to go through security in order to get to the chambers,” Hope said.

In light of recent shootings, politicians have been clammering to pass new gun laws despite gun sales being up and gun crime being down for the 5th year in a row according to FBI crime statistics. Even more so, violent crime has been dropping since 2007. Even the head of President Obama's new gun violence task force Joe Biden admitted that new gun control laws will do almost nothing to stop gun crime, as the statistics show.

The bill is incredily close to being given a vote to a gun control supporting majority. Two other bills,SB 5625, HB1588's companion measure, and HB1676, which criminalizes not "properly storing" firearms in specific situations, have also been introduced.

Supporters of the 2nd amendment are urged to contact House Judiciary Committee members and the bill's sponsors, in opposition of these measures.





Copy and paste the email addresses for the House Judiciary Committee:

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




My message:

Dear House Judiciary Committee:

Please oppose HB1588 - Requiring Universal Background Checks

House Bill 1588 is the first step toward universal registration and clearly over-reaches and infringes on our Right to Keep and Bear Arms. This bill will only create a massive regulatory scheme and a huge burden for law-abiding citizens.

House Bill 1588 places undue burdens on private commerce and infringes on the citizens right to bear arms by restricting private sales with a registration scheme that has no time limits on processing requests for sales. Furthermore House Bill 1588 places another tax on the private sale of firearms, this is unfair taxation.

Those who urge passage of so-called “universal background checks” and other anti-gun laws fail to grasp the fundamental truth that new laws will only affect law-abiding citizens and not criminals. Criminals do not obey the law in the first place and obviously will not comply with additional laws.

Supporters of this legislation should be working on legislation that will make the purchase of firearms by felons and mentally unstable persons illegal. But that's already a law and it has not worked. How is creating more laws affecting legal gun owners going to work any better? I strongly suggest legislators find ways to enforce existing gun laws that already prohibit felons and mentally ill persons from owning guns.

The NRA has offered good advice on policing our children for their safety. These gun free school zones provide the perfect environment for mass killings, House Bill 1588 does nothing to address this lack of safety for our children.

It's painfully obvious the real concern of the supporters of House Bill 1588 is to take advantage of school shootings to infringe on the 2nd Amendment rights of law abiding citizens. House Bill 1588 does nothing to resolve the problems associated with gunfree zones and mass shootings by criminals, please oppose HB1588.

Best Regards,

[TopOfTheFoodChain]

Email sent. Thanks for the heads up. 

[eastsidemallard74]

I got this automatically back from sending an email:



Thank you for your email and I will keep your thoughts in mind when voting on all the gun legislation this year. Also keep in mind I had a 100 percent voting record with the NRA for the last 4 years, served in the USMC and currently work patrol for the last 14 years as a Seattle Police Officer.
 
Of all the gun legislation that we will vote on this year, I will always vote for what is best to keep guns out of the hands of people that intend to do us harm. Most often this means the mentally ill and felons. I like 1588 for this reason. Also keep in mind we have several more bills to address the comprehensive approach. Tougher sentences, mental health, school design, and many more bills will be discussed.
 
This bill will not hinder people's rights, as law abiding citizens will still be able to purchase guns and won't be prohibited. In fact, the background check actually costs 20-30 bucks less than current background checks completed at gun stores. In addition, we can exempt LEO, CCW, WAC as they already had backgrounds completed making it even easier for a law abiding citizen to purchase a gun.
 
What this bill stops is the free ride felons get to purchase guns. Anything we can do to assist in keeping guns out of the hands of felons I am inclined to support. It is a misconception that this bill establishes a list to register people. It does not and to do so would be a violation of current law. To ensure this doesn't happen, I plan to amend the bill to expunge the paperwork 30 days after the sale has been complete. It is also a misconception that this bill is a tax as described earlier. Further more it is a misconception that it is a regulatory scheme as it only accomplishes what most already do when they buy from their local gun stores.
 
This doesn't impact law abiding citizens only felons.
That is what this is about. Again, I don't support allowing felons to purchase guns and this will help.
 
Thanks again,
Mike Hope
 

[bearpaw]

I copied my message to my local reps and senator, I already got this message back from my senator:

Dear Dale and Tara:

Thank you for your message regarding gun control legislation.

I am very supportive of the Second Amendment and our right to bear arms.  It is a fundamental right, and it is vital that we defend our citizens' responsibility to protect their lives, property, and livelihood. 

Your comments on specific state legislation are appreciated.

Sincerely,

JOHN SMITH
State Senator

[bearpaw]

I got this automatically back from sending an email:



Thank you for your email and I will keep your thoughts in mind when voting on all the gun legislation this year. Also keep in mind I had a 100 percent voting record with the NRA for the last 4 years, served in the USMC and currently work patrol for the last 14 years as a Seattle Police Officer.
 
Of all the gun legislation that we will vote on this year, I will always vote for what is best to keep guns out of the hands of people that intend to do us harm. Most often this means the mentally ill and felons. I like 1588 for this reason. Also keep in mind we have several more bills to address the comprehensive approach. Tougher sentences, mental health, school design, and many more bills will be discussed.
 
This bill will not hinder people's rights, as law abiding citizens will still be able to purchase guns and won't be prohibited. In fact, the background check actually costs 20-30 bucks less than current background checks completed at gun stores. In addition, we can exempt LEO, CCW, WAC as they already had backgrounds completed making it even easier for a law abiding citizen to purchase a gun.
 
What this bill stops is the free ride felons get to purchase guns. Anything we can do to assist in keeping guns out of the hands of felons I am inclined to support. It is a misconception that this bill establishes a list to register people. It does not and to do so would be a violation of current law. To ensure this doesn't happen, I plan to amend the bill to expunge the paperwork 30 days after the sale has been complete. It is also a misconception that this bill is a tax as described earlier. Further more it is a misconception that it is a regulatory scheme as it only accomplishes what most already do when they buy from their local gun stores.
 
This doesn't impact law abiding citizens only felons.
That is what this is about. Again, I don't support allowing felons to purchase guns and this will help.
 
Thanks again,
Mike Hope
 

I would say that his legislation only affects law abiding gun owners and will not affect felons. 

[Greenhorn]

Sent it to all of them, thanks for the info!

[washingtonmuley]

Just sent my letter. Thanks for the info.

[mossy8352]

Letter sent this morning! Thanks Mike

[CP]

I got this automatically back from sending an email:



Thank you for your email and I will keep your thoughts in mind when voting on all the gun legislation this year. Also keep in mind I had a 100 percent voting record with the NRA for the last 4 years, served in the USMC and currently work patrol for the last 14 years as a Seattle Police Officer.
 
Of all the gun legislation that we will vote on this year, I will always vote for what is best to keep guns out of the hands of people that intend to do us harm. Most often this means the mentally ill and felons. I like 1588 for this reason. Also keep in mind we have several more bills to address the comprehensive approach. Tougher sentences, mental health, school design, and many more bills will be discussed.
 
This bill will not hinder people's rights, as law abiding citizens will still be able to purchase guns and won't be prohibited. In fact, the background check actually costs 20-30 bucks less than current background checks completed at gun stores. In addition, we can exempt LEO, CCW, WAC as they already had backgrounds completed making it even easier for a law abiding citizen to purchase a gun.
 
What this bill stops is the free ride felons get to purchase guns. Anything we can do to assist in keeping guns out of the hands of felons I am inclined to support. It is a misconception that this bill establishes a list to register people. It does not and to do so would be a violation of current law. To ensure this doesn't happen, I plan to amend the bill to expunge the paperwork 30 days after the sale has been complete. It is also a misconception that this bill is a tax as described earlier. Further more it is a misconception that it is a regulatory scheme as it only accomplishes what most already do when they buy from their local gun stores.
 
This doesn't impact law abiding citizens only felons.
That is what this is about. Again, I don't support allowing felons to purchase guns and this will help.
 
Thanks again,
Mike Hope
 

As the bill currently reads there are no exemptions for CPL, LEO, WAC family members or anyone else.   It would make a criminal out of anybody that passed on a family heirloom firearm to their son, daughter, grandson, etc.

[bearpaw]

   My wife just said the same thing, we would be criminals for giving our kids any gun.

[buckfvr]

Problem here in Wa.    Politicians that support our views are scarce in Olympia.  We have a few that go to battle for us, but in large, our state is sold out by Murray, Cantwell, and even our Congress men and women.  They all strive to further their careers, and will go with the flow in D.C., rather than risk a shortened career.  We only hear what they want us to hear.....I dont believe m any of them represent us and our way of thinking....logically. 

I too, write many letters only to recieve form letters in return from aides, I have no doubt.  THey are disconnected from us and out  of touch.  Trouble is, the vast majority of this state supports the current administration, state and federal.  We are in a very uphill battle on a muddy slope.

[X-Force]

Email Sent.

[thatkidwho]

Email sent. I emphasized that this will only affect law abiding citizens.

[bearpaw]

another message back already from one of my local legislators:

Dale:

Thank you for your email. I will oppose this bill should it come before me for a vote.

Take care,
Joel


JOEL KRETZ
Republican Deputy Leader

[lokidog]

I got this automatically back from sending an email:



Thank you for your email and I will keep your thoughts in mind when voting on all the gun legislation this year. Also keep in mind I had a 100 percent voting record with the NRA for the last 4 years, served in the USMC and currently work patrol for the last 14 years as a Seattle Police Officer.
 
Of all the gun legislation that we will vote on this year, I will always vote for what is best to keep guns out of the hands of people that intend to do us harm. Most often this means the mentally ill and felons. I like 1588 for this reason. Also keep in mind we have several more bills to address the comprehensive approach. Tougher sentences, mental health, school design, and many more bills will be discussed.
 
This bill will not hinder people's rights, as law abiding citizens will still be able to purchase guns and won't be prohibited. In fact, the background check actually costs 20-30 bucks less than current background checks completed at gun stores. In addition, we can exempt LEO, CCW, WAC as they already had backgrounds completed making it even easier for a law abiding citizen to purchase a gun.
 
What this bill stops is the free ride felons get to purchase guns. Anything we can do to assist in keeping guns out of the hands of felons I am inclined to support. It is a misconception that this bill establishes a list to register people. It does not and to do so would be a violation of current law. To ensure this doesn't happen, I plan to amend the bill to expunge the paperwork 30 days after the sale has been complete. It is also a misconception that this bill is a tax as described earlier. Further more it is a misconception that it is a regulatory scheme as it only accomplishes what most already do when they buy from their local gun stores.
 
This doesn't impact law abiding citizens only felons.
That is what this is about. Again, I don't support allowing felons to purchase guns and this will help.
 
Thanks again,
Mike Hope
 

As the bill currently reads there are no exemptions for CPL, LEO, WAC family members or anyone else.   It would make a criminal out of anybody that passed on a family heirloom firearm to their son, daughter, grandson, etc.

This guy is a turncoat *censored*.  The background check when purchasing a firearm at retail costs nothing, going through an FFL for a private purchase costs $20 or more last time I used one a few years ago.

How do you contact the NRA to put some pressure on this guy to do the right thing?

[Special T]

Guess i have just made my kids Co-owners of my firearms before this BS gets inacted.    How in the  could they prove when ownership was transfered between my father and I, or my kids and I? 

[huntrights]

HB1588 "Universal Background Check" Legislation Must be Defeated

Many of us are starting to include very fast and easy copy and paste messages that are intended to help those that aren’t comfortable with writing or simply don’t have the time to be aware of these threats, compose a message, and get all of the contact information needed.  Those that realize how important these messages are and take action can use or modify the copy and paste opportunity, or compose their own messages.

The important action is that you communicate to these people that are supposed to represent us.  All of us also need to expand our unified voice by urging our family, friends, and colleagues to write as well.  Don’t just ask them write, send them to these links so they also have the opportunity to copy and paste the messages. 

We absolutely must have our voices heard.

Please contact the House Judiciary Committee and urge them to oppose HB1588.

Also, please contact your state Representatives and state Senator TODAY and respectfully express your opposition to House Bill 1588 (You can use the same message sent to the Judiciary Committee).

http://www.capwiz.com/nra/state/main/?state=wa&view=myofficials


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


Copy and paste the email addresses for the House Judiciary Committee:


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 the message or create your own:

Subject:


Please oppose HB1588 - An ACT relating to Requiring Universal Background Checks


Message:


Dear House Judiciary Committee:
(Representative Jamie Pedersen, Representative Drew Hansen, Representative Jay Rodne, Representative Steve O'Ban, Representative Roger Goodman, Representative Mike Hope, Representative Laurie Jinkins, Representative Steve Kirby, Representative Brad Klippert, Representative Terry Nealey, Representative Tina Orwall, Representative Mary Helen Roberts, Representative Matt Shea)


I am writing today to respectfully request that you oppose House Bill 1588 (An ACT relating to requiring universal background checks for firearm transfers).

Those who urge passage of so-called “universal background checks” fail to grasp the fundamental truth that this will only affect law-abiding citizens and not criminals. Criminals do not obey the law in the first place.

House Bill 1588 is the first step toward universal registration and clearly over-reaches and infringes on our Right to Keep and Bear Arms. This bill would create a massive regulatory scheme and a huge burden for law-abiding citizens. 

Washington currently has strong background check requirements in place. Furthermore, it is already a federal felony for any private person to sell, trade, give, lend, rent or transfer a gun to a person they know or should have known is not legally allowed to own, purchase or possess a firearm. It should be noted that every year, tens of thousands of people fail to pass the background checks required for firearm purchases, yet only a fraction are prosecuted for providing false information. Before lawmakers begin creating more onerous rules and regulations, they should start enforcing the laws that are currently on the books.

Please stop considering this type of “Feel Good” legislation that does absolutely nothing to curb the violent and evil intent of criminals that will always be able to obtain their weapons of choice.  Please stop these attacks on the rights and freedoms of the law-abiding gun-owners in this state.


Sincerely,

[Your contact information]

[lokidog]

I added this to mine:

“Advocates of tighter restrictions on firearms have long insisted that more guns equal more violence but a series of FBI statistics released in 2011 makes one wonder about that assumption. Gun sales have risen by twelve percent nationally over the last three years, initially spurred by mistaken fears that President Barack Obama would push for tighter controls. In the same period, violent crime (murder, rape, robbery and aggravated assault) dropped steadily and now stands at a 37-year low.”

http://blogs.reuters.com/bernddebusmann/2012/01/06/american-riddle-more-guns-less-violence/

Statistics show that only 1.1% of firearms used in crimes were purchased at gun shows (or presumably private sales).

[Special T]

I think its important to let them know that many who tend to be non political are getting pissed and we are going to make sure that those who trample our rights are going toget the boot!

[csaaphill]

done once more

[thatkidwho]

Only heard back from Rep. Shea who is opposed to the bill and is supporting the Firearm Freedom Act HB-1371.

[lokidog]

Only heard back from Rep. Shea who is opposed to the bill and is supporting the Firearm Freedom Act HB-1371.

Yep from Shea, same here, didn't even hear back from the louses in my district.

[TONTO]

RCW 9.41.080
Delivery to ineligible persons. 

No person may deliver a firearm to any person whom he or she has reasonable cause to believe is ineligible under RCW 9.41.040 to possess a firearm. Any person violating this section is guilty of a class C felony, punishable under chapter 9A.20 RCW.

 Isn't it already covered.  Background checks can already be done voluntairly if you want to cover your own ass. Oh yeah thats right it's just another existing law that we just don't have the means to enforce, best to just write a new one.

[Windwalker]

 Thanks for the heads up.
Not sure how they keep track of who sends them mail or if they count out repeated emails but I sent another-

So far I am not impressed by our elected officials with a few exceptions.

Have sent many more letters than responses received- did get a couple of positive responses.
(supporter of our second amendment rights and do not support additional guns laws) from Norma Smith & Dave Hayes, State Representatives of 10th Legislative District.

The rest suck and were deleted...when the dust settles will donate my pennies to the send all antis to space program- one way ticket.
A few responses that I haven't purged yet...but will.

 Maria Cantwell - "applaud the President's efforts to close gun purchase loopholes and to create new tools for further background checks", "supported the original Assault Weapons Ban and the Brady Bill, as well as the Youth Handgun Safety Act of 1993," & "We need to get powerful assault weapons off our streets."

Rick Larsen- "Protecting our children should be left to trained police and security personnel, not our teachers. I will strive to enact gun legislation that addresses limiting the sale of certain gun makes and models, eliminating the sale of high capacity ammunition clips and drums, and ensuring that we have universal background checks on any individual wishing to purchase a gun"

Patty Murray- (Yea whatever.....)"Thank you for contacting my office. Your thoughtful comments are greatly appreciated"

    Voted NO on allowing firearms in checked baggage on Amtrak trains. (Apr 2009)
    Voted YES on prohibiting foreign & UN aid that restricts US gun ownership. (Sep 2007)
    Voted NO on prohibiting lawsuits against gun manufacturers. (Jul 2005)
    Voted NO on banning lawsuits against gun manufacturers for gun violence. (Mar 2004)
    Voted YES on background checks at gun shows. (May 1999)
    Voted NO on more penalties for gun & drug violations. (May 1999)
    Voted NO on loosening license & background checks at gun shows. (May 1999)
    Voted NO on maintaining current law: guns sold without trigger locks. (Jul 1998)
    Rated F by the NRA, indicating a pro-gun control voting record. (Aug 2010)

[lokidog]

But we're so well represented by our faithful pubic servants.....   

[huntrights]

Don't let them win. 

We need to be relentless in defending our rights and freedoms.

[Elkaholic daWg]

Done

[xd2005]

I've let mine know, as well as those on committee.

This may be tough to stop, but we can hope.

While there are a number of things I don't like about it. I understand I don't go as far as some would like, but I absolutely do not like the bill in it's current state. I can live with it if there are some changes (which, I know, some will not like).

1. Exempt CPL holders. Any transaction I have been a part of, buyer or seller, I have shown CPL and same for the other party (I know, no need if selling, but it does provide some security).

2. The up to $20 fee is merely a revenue generator. It takes mere minutes to do the check, $20 is simply too much.

3. Exempt C&R license holders. The fact that I have gone through background checks for purchases, law enforcement volunteering, and securing a C&R license should be good for something!

Some other things I have thought of:
1. Can multiple firearms be included on one form? (I simply do not know)
2. Fee exemption for related-party transactions?
3 DOR has been cracking down on FFLs that don't charge sales tax on transfers. Are these now getting looped into that?

[washelkhunter]

Can we set up a HuntWa page/petition where all members could sign on to these issues and have just one massive delivery to all the reps enmasse?

[bearpaw]

Can we set up a HuntWa page/petition where all members could sign on to these issues and have just one massive delivery to all the reps enmasse?

I have looked into some autoemail systems that will send messages to legislators and governor, I found one for about $500 per year.

Not saying it won't happen, if I can find the financial resources and thought members would use it, I would like to do it.

[FisherKing]

FAX FAX FAX
Get something real in their hands. Email is too easy to send and therefore easily dismissed.

[pianoman9701]

District 5 has a good Rep!

"Good Afternoon John,

Thank you for contacting our office in regards to the recent Legislation that is forming in Olympia pertaining to Gun Control.
I assure you; I am a strong advocate and supporter of the United States Constitution. I will be upholding and defending our second amendment right which protects the right of the people to keep and bear arms.
I will do everything to defeat this Legislation and produce better solutions to not only enforce existing laws but to also keep weapons out of the hands of felons and the mentally unstable. Our focus should be on educating citizens about these issues and enforcing current law, not on Legislation that is only going to harm Law abiding gun owners.

Thank you again for your email of concern- I appreciate hearing from you!

Rep. Jay Rodne
5th Legislative District
(360) 786-7852
JLOB 430
Please visit my website:  http://www.houserepublicans.wa.gov/Rodne/default.htm
"

[mossy8352]

 
Just received the same response as above, it is good to see a realistic approach to the issue rather than the WDC knee jerk stuff!

[huntrights]

Keep writing.  This is good!

[csaaphill]

 
to do again later when mail works again.

[csaaphill]

Thank you for the email. I am planning to vote against this bill.

Terry

Thank you for contacting our office in regards to the recent Legislation that is forming in Olympia pertaining to Gun Control.

I assure you; I am a strong advocate and supporter of the United States Constitution. I will be upholding and defending our second amendment right which protects the right of the people to keep and bear arms.

I will do everything to defeat this Legislation and produce better solutions to not only enforce existing laws but to also keep weapons out of the hands of felons and the mentally unstable. Our focus should be on educating citizens about these issues and enforcing current law, not on Legislation that is only going to harm Law abiding gun owners.

 

Thank you again for your email of concern- I appreciate hearing from you!

two responces I got on this bill.