Post by: huntrights on February 02, 2013, 08:34:56 AM
Taking action against this onerous piece of legislation is fast and easy if you take advantage of the links, and copy and paste opportunity in this post. Please take action and pass this on.
http://www.nraila.org/legislation/state-legislation/2013/1/washington-universal-background-check-legislation-must-be-defeated.aspx
“… 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. It also would require that anytime you sell any firearm to a family member or friend, you will have to go through a gun dealer or law enforcement agency and pay a $20 gun tax, with no guarantee of timely processing….”
“… 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….”
“… 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….”
Link to Bill:
http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summary.aspx?bill=1588
Please contact the House Judiciary Committee and urge them to oppose HB1588.
Also, please contact your state Representative 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).
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.
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.
Sincerely,
[Your contact information]
Post by: Elkaholic daWg on February 02, 2013, 03:32:52 PM
2 has reasonable cause to believe is ineligible under ((RCW 9.41.040))
3 state or federal law to possess a firearm. Any person violating this
4 ((section)) subsection is guilty of a class C felony, punishable under
5 chapter 9A.20 RCW.
6 (2)(a) No unlicensed person may sell a firearm to another
7 unlicensed person unless the purchaser has undergone a background check
8 in accordance with the provisions of this subsection (2) and the
9 purchaser is not ineligible to possess a firearm under state or federal
10 law.
11 (b) A seller of a firearm to an unlicensed person shall request a
12 background check of the purchaser or transferee from a dealer or from
13 the chief of police or the sheriff of the jurisdiction in which the
14 seller or the purchaser resides. The background check shall include a
15 check of the national criminal instant background check system.
16 (c) The purchaser must complete an application to transfer a
17 firearm. The application shall be provided to the dealer or the chief
18 of police or sheriff conducting the background check.
19 (d) The department of licensing shall create and make available an
20 application to transfer a firearm for use by unlicensed persons engaged
21 in the sale or purchase of a firearm. The application shall include
22 the information required under RCW 9.41.090 for an application to
23 purchase a pistol from a dealer, and any other information the
24 department of licensing determines is appropriate.
25 (e) A dealer or a chief of police or sheriff who conducts a
26 background check for an unlicensed person under this subsection (2)
27 must indicate on the application whether the purchaser is eligible or
28 ineligible to possess a firearm under state and federal law based on
29 the results of the background check. A dealer or a chief of police or
30 sheriff may charge a fee for conducting the background check in an
31 amount not to exceed twenty dollars, plus any charges imposed by the
32 federal bureau of investigation.
33 (f) A person who sells a firearm to an unlicensed person in
34 violation of this subsection (2) is guilty of a gross misdemeanor
35 punishable under chapter 9A.20 RCW.
36 (g) For the purposes of this subsection (2), "unlicensed person"
37 means any person who is not licensed as a dealer under this chapter.
Post by: Chase 1 on February 02, 2013, 04:08:52 PM
Post by: hughjorgan on February 02, 2013, 04:39:02 PM
Post by: Elkaholic daWg on February 02, 2013, 05:08:39 PM
And THANK YOU (Dan K Also) for sponsoring HB1371!!!!!!!
Post by: csaaphill on February 02, 2013, 09:24:15 PM
Post by: huntrights on February 02, 2013, 10:35:25 PM
done but done on a different thread but i emailed those same people.
HB1371 was another one where there was a request for all to write the House Judiciuary Committee. This is the post.
http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,116894.0.html
Is that the one you r are thinking of?
Post by: csaaphill on February 02, 2013, 10:38:43 PM
Post by: Turner89 on February 02, 2013, 11:27:41 PM
Post by: huntrights on February 02, 2013, 11:30:47 PM
no but i took that list off that thread to email the same people against this same bill.
I didn't catch the original post in the forum. The Bill number may not have been in the title of the post. I responded to the NRA-ILA Alert when it came out.
Post by: bigtex on February 03, 2013, 12:25:22 AM
Post by: csaaphill on February 03, 2013, 12:27:52 AM
Posts: 64
Location: Seattle?
You knew this was coming: Lawmakers introduce bill to require background checks
« on: January 30, 2013, 03:35:46 PM »
Quote
http://blogs.seattletimes.com/politicsnorthwest/2013/01/30/house-democrats-introduce-bill-to-require-background-checks-for-all-gun-sales/ (http://blogs.seattletimes.com/politicsnorthwest/2013/01/30/house-democrats-introduce-bill-to-require-background-checks-for-all-gun-sales/)
http://apps.leg.wa.gov/documents/billdocs/2013-14/Pdf/Bills/House%20Bills/1588.pdf (http://apps.leg.wa.gov/documents/billdocs/2013-14/Pdf/Bills/House%20Bills/1588.pdf)
I know that many reasonable people (including a lot of members on this site) will find this bill to be acceptable or at least palatable. The portion of the bill that would require private gun sales to be proceeded by a background check (conducted by the local police chief or sheriff)--or face a gross misdemeanor charge--might well garner support from the majority of citizens. My only question is this: Does preventing private gun sales (without a background check) really solve anything? What do you think?
Post by: longstevo on February 03, 2013, 02:49:40 AM
Post by: bearpaw on February 03, 2013, 07:00:51 AM
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.
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.
Best Regards,
Post by: 300UltraMagShooter on February 03, 2013, 07:47:25 AM
Quote
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.
You mean tens of thousands of people were denied their God given right to personal protection because we fell for yet another lie and don't have the courage to stand up for our fellow man. (as long as it is not us, right?)
Tens of thousands of our fellow Americans are denied their right and not a peep out of most of us. God help us.
If you don't think that number will encrease exponentially after this bill is passed, you are nuts.
Not only that, but the more house-holds that have firearms, the less phobia about guns there will be out there. Less phobia equals more gun rights. The opposite is also true.
We are better off offering legistlation to require every house-hold to own a gun.... and here we are arguing over how much freedom to take away.
It's just maddening that we have to fight our own side along with the left.
Post by: huntrights on February 03, 2013, 09:16:23 AM
QuoteWashington 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.
You mean tens of thousands of people were denied their God given right to personal protection because we fell for yet another lie and don't have the courage to stand up for our fellow man. (as long as it is not us, right?)
Tens of thousands of our fellow Americans are denied their right and not a peep out of most of us. God help us.
If you don't think that number will encrease exponentially after this bill is passed, you are nuts.
Not only that, but the more house-holds that have firearms, the less phobia about guns there will be out there. Less phobia equals more gun rights. The opposite is also true.
We are better off offering legistlation to require every house-hold to own a gun.... and here we are arguing over how much freedom to take away.
It's just maddening that we have to fight our own side along with the left.
Write the House Judiciary Committee and your state Rep's respectfully asking them to oppose this bill. That is the intent of this post.
Thanks.
Post by: blackdog on February 03, 2013, 11:06:37 AM
Post by: Wader on February 03, 2013, 12:57:21 PM
Every firearm transfer will now document WHO is buying the firearm. Even used guns that were previously undocumented, when sold, will now go into the system. Comprehensive gun registration will follow; confiscation will follow that.
The sad part is that the vast majority of gun owners don't care enough to lift a finger to oppose this. A thread about this legislation should have 90% of the members here outraged and ready to show up and testify against this (after having gone door to door in their neighborhoods, urging everyone to show up as well). People should take time off from work (using vacation if need be) to be there. Instead, there are responses from about a dozen people. The word on this in Olympia is that this bill will pass easily.
Private firearm ownership will ultimately go quietly into the night. The sheeple will cry about it and wonder how it happened. Show them this thread and ask them where they were back in 2013...
Post by: bigtex on February 03, 2013, 01:43:18 PM
We need to get Republican Mike Hope to pull his support for the Bill.
Hope won't. Hope is a Seattle Police Officer/Detective. He has been a big "leader" in gun legislation, both penalty wise and in this bill. He has another bill which would do another type of registry.
Post by: csaaphill on February 03, 2013, 04:21:33 PM
Post by: 300UltraMagShooter on February 03, 2013, 04:27:27 PM
This bill is simply Gun Registration.
Every firearm transfer will now document WHO is buying the firearm. Even used guns that were previously undocumented, when sold, will now go into the system. Comprehensive gun registration will follow; confiscation will follow that.
The sad part is that the vast majority of gun owners don't care enough to lift a finger to oppose this. A thread about this legislation should have 90% of the members here outraged and ready to show up and testify against this (after having gone door to door in their neighborhoods, urging everyone to show up as well). People should take time off from work (using vacation if need be) to be there. Instead, there are responses from about a dozen people. The word on this in Olympia is that this bill will pass easily.
Private firearm ownership will ultimately go quietly into the night. The sheeple will cry about it and wonder how it happened. Show them this thread and ask them where they were back in 2013...
You got that right. Some of us don't deserve the world that is being created for us. Many people will actually end up being killed because of their inaction. However, many will deserve exactly what they get.
I actually get sick to my stomach thinking about the decline of our once great country.
It's all over it looks like. America was the worlds last best hope. Now we are looking more and more just like the rest of the world.
Post by: csaaphill on February 03, 2013, 07:34:00 PM
Post by: huntrights on February 03, 2013, 08:39:06 PM
Ok you guys. Remember the power of positive thinking.
We just need to recognize where things are going in the wrong direction and push back. You will have a much better chance of being successful at pushing back if you change your mind set to believe it can be done.
It can be done, and we will do it.
Post by: blackdog on February 04, 2013, 05:48:21 AM
Post by: pianoman9701 on February 04, 2013, 06:55:41 AM
I strongly oppose this bill. WA already has an effective and extensive background check system in place and this bill will do absolutely nothing to further protect our citizens from criminals with guns. It will only further infringe on our state and federal Constitutional rights. It should be scrapped in committee. Please flush this bill now. Thank you for your attention to my request.
--
Most Sincerely,
John W
Post by: csaaphill on February 04, 2013, 11:15:13 AM
Post by: csaaphill on February 04, 2013, 10:04:14 PM
I could not agree more and I am adamantly opposed to HB 1588. That's also why I co-sponsored HB 1371 the Firearms Freedom Act as part of the Freedom Agenda (see "Freedom Agenda WA" on Facebook).
This bill, if enacted, will exempt all firearms manufactured in WA State from federal regulation and deal with anticipated new federal regulations, as well. The Washington bill will even be more robust than the much touted Wyoming bill. The history of our bill in previous sessions has been to exempt firearms manufactured in Washington that stays in Washington.
But it also, in Section 5(4) nullifies any federal law adopted after January 1, 2013 that bans or attempts registration of firearms. And finally, Section 12(4) specifically prevents any restrictions placed upon law-abiding citizens in a state of emergency. Those of us who remember the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina recall the door-to-door confiscation of firearms and the sometimes disastrous results.
The bill number is House Bill 1371 and can be accessed on your personal computer here http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summary.aspx?bill=1371&year=2013 (http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summary.aspx?bill=1371&year=2013)
I am aware that there could be a slew of gun control bills coming and I am prepared to argue against them on the floor of the House. I am depending upon the informed citizenry, however, to let the body of the Legislature know how they feel about gun control and, hopefully, be available to testify at committee hearings. It was just a couple weeks ago that a Democrat legislator withdrew a gun control bill after receiving a blizzard of messages of objection from concerned citizens.
Thank you very much for your letter and please consider receiving my regular updates while the Legislature is in session (see below). You can also follow me by checking in on his legislative web site at: http://www.leg.wa.gov/house/representatives/Pages/shea.aspx (http://www.leg.wa.gov/house/representatives/Pages/shea.aspx)
Warm Regards,
Rep. Shea
Post by: bigtex on February 04, 2013, 10:28:43 PM
This bill, if enacted, will exempt all firearms manufactured in WA State from federal regulation and deal with anticipated new federal regulations, as well. The Washington bill will even be more robust than the much touted Wyoming bill. The history of our bill in previous sessions has been to exempt firearms manufactured in Washington that stays in Washington.
There are only a couple "ma and pa" type firearm manufacturers in WA. None of the "big boys" are here.
Post by: Elkaholic daWg on February 05, 2013, 04:17:25 AM
This bill, if enacted, will exempt all firearms manufactured in WA State from federal regulation and deal with anticipated new federal regulations, as well. The Washington bill will even be more robust than the much touted Wyoming bill. The history of our bill in previous sessions has been to exempt firearms manufactured in Washington that stays in Washington.
There are only a couple "ma and pa" type firearm manufacturers in WA. None of the "big boys" are here.
So what about......But it also, in Section 5(4) nullifies any federal law adopted after January 1, 2013 that bans or attempts registration of firearms. And finally, Section 12(4) specifically prevents any restrictions placed upon law-abiding citizens in a state of emergency. Those of us who remember the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina recall the door-to-door confiscation of firearms and the sometimes disastrous results.
Scott, Kristiansen(twice) and Shea have all replied positively
Post by: blackdog on February 05, 2013, 06:34:46 AM
Post by: BNAElkhntr on February 05, 2013, 07:17:16 AM
Post by: CP on February 05, 2013, 07:17:52 AM
Dear XXX,
Thanks for sharing your concern about our Second Amendment rights. That's why Rep. Shea co-sponsored HB 1371, The Firearms Freedom Act, as part of the Freedom Agenda (see "Freedom Agenda WA" on Facebook).
A major component of the Freedom Agenda is the Washington Firearms Freedom Act. This bill, if enacted, will exempt all firearms manufactured in WA State from federal regulation and deal with anticipated new federal regulations, as well. The Washington bill will even be more robust than the much touted Wyoming bill. The history of our bill in previous sessions has been to exempt firearms manufactured in Washington that stays in Washington.
But it also, in Section 5(4) nullifies any federal law adopted after January 1, 2013 that bans or attempts registration of firearms. And finally, Section 12(4) specifically prevents any restrictions placed upon law-abiding citizens in a state of emergency. Those of us who remember the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina recall the door-to-door confiscation of firearms and the sometimes disastrous results.
The bill number is House Bill 1371 and can be accessed on your personal computer here.
Rep Shea is aware that there could be a slew of gun control bills coming and he is prepared to argue against them on the floor of the House. He is depending upon the informed citizenry, however, to let the body of the Legislature know how they feel about gun control and, hopefully, be available to testify at committee hearings. It was just a couple weeks ago that a Democrat legislator withdrew a gun control bill after receiving a blizzard of messages of objection from concerned citizens.
Thank you very much for your letter and please consider receiving Rep Shea's regular updates while the Legislature is in session (see below). You can also follow Rep Shea by checking in on his legislative web site at: http://www.leg.wa.gov/house/representatives/Pages/shea.aspx (http://www.leg.wa.gov/house/representatives/Pages/shea.aspx) .
Warm regards,
Jim Robinson
Legislative Assistant to
Matt Shea
State Representative
4th Legislative District
(360) 786-7984
In just a few clicks you can sign up for Rep Shea’s updates:
http://apps.leg.wa.gov/subscriptions/member.aspx?chamber=h&member=Shea (http://apps.leg.wa.gov/subscriptions/member.aspx?chamber=h&member=Shea)
Post by: huntrights on February 05, 2013, 07:24:35 AM
Feedback from Representative Matt Shea ( Please note the BOLD paragraph):
"I could not agree more and I am adamantly opposed to HB 1588. That's also why I co-sponsored HB 1371 the Firearms Freedom Act as part of the Freedom Agenda (see "Freedom Agenda WA" on Facebook).
This bill, if enacted, will exempt all firearms manufactured in WA State from federal regulation and deal with anticipated new federal regulations, as well. The Washington bill will even be more robust than the much touted Wyoming bill. The history of our bill in previous sessions has been to exempt firearms manufactured in Washington that stays in Washington.
But it also, in Section 5(4) nullifies any federal law adopted after January 1, 2013 that bans or attempts registration of firearms. And finally, Section 12(4) specifically prevents any restrictions placed upon law-abiding citizens in a state of emergency. Those of us who remember the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina recall the door-to-door confiscation of firearms and the sometimes disastrous results.
The bill number is House Bill 1371 and can be accessed on your personal computer here http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summary.aspx?bill=1371&year=2013 (http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summary.aspx?bill=1371&year=2013)
I am aware that there could be a slew of gun control bills coming and I am prepared to argue against them on the floor of the House. I am depending upon the informed citizenry, however, to let the body of the Legislature know how they feel about gun control and, hopefully, be available to testify at committee hearings. It was just a couple weeks ago that a Democrat legislator withdrew a gun control bill after receiving a blizzard of messages of objection from concerned citizens.
Thank you very much for your letter and please consider receiving my regular updates while the Legislature is in session (see below). You can also follow me by checking in on his legislative web site at: http://www.leg.wa.gov/house/representatives/Pages/shea.aspx (http://www.leg.wa.gov/house/representatives/Pages/shea.aspx)
Warm Regards,
Rep. Shea"
The "concerned citizens" Rep. Shea is referring to is ALL OF US. Please communicate with your representatives as issues are brought to your attention and urge your family, friends, and colleagues to do the same.
Post by: arees on February 05, 2013, 09:22:08 AM
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).
I have taught my son that the scariest thing in the world is a legislator who says "we have to to something." This sentiment universally leads to a half baked bill that is a knee jerk reaction trying to gain headlines at the expense of good governance. This bill is an example of that principle in action.
Politicians have spend too much time wringing their hands over the "gun show loophole" while this is not a significant source of guns for criminals. I suggest you read this article from PBS, an organization that is not known for supporting gun rights.
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/guns/procon/guns.html (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/guns/procon/guns.html)
You will note that the "gun show loophole" does not show up in the article. What you do find is the failure of the existing background check system either through straw purchases, criminal activities of FFL dealers or simple gun theft. Adding a background check requirement to private citizens will not address any of the significant sources of guns for crimes nor will it work any better than the already mandatory checks by FFL holders.
This bill simply targets law abiding citizens because you have failed to find any means to target the criminals that are the problem. Targeting the "gun show loophole" is a smokescreen to hide the fact that our government, at least partly under your control, has failed to enforce the existing laws. If any of you were serious about addressing criminal access to guns through legal purchases we would be prosecuting people for providing false information to the existing background check system. That is not happening so you are not serious about solving the real problems.
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.
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.
Sincerely,
Post by: CP on February 08, 2013, 02:52:18 PM
Thank you for contacting me with your thoughts and concerns about fire arms legislation. Knowing how you feel about important issues such as this helps me better represent you in Olympia.
Federal-level recommendations to regulate weapons, as well as to enhance care in mental health and school safety have been proposed. I will follow this issue closely in the State Senate, where I intend to confer with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle. Our goal, as a state is to prevent firearm tragedies while protecting constitutional rights.
Washington State is in a unique position to lead the nation and prevent gun tragedies. Any bill up for consideration in the legislature must prioritize safety and accountability while promoting responsibility.
Sincerely,
Paull H. Shin
State Senator
21st Legislative District
Post by: csaaphill on February 09, 2013, 01:53:54 AM
Post by: huntrights on February 09, 2013, 01:00:15 PM
Washington: Your Immediate Action is Needed to Defeat Numerous Anti-Gun Bills
http://www.nraila.org/legislation/state-legislation/2013/2/washington-your-immediate-action-is-needed-to-defeat-numerous-anti-gun-bills.aspx
Post by: bigtex on February 09, 2013, 01:21:27 PM
OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) - Washington lawmakers are beginning to coalesce around a plan that would expand the state's laws on gun background checks, providing hope for supporters after years of failed efforts.
Gun measures have flooded the Legislature this year, with some lawmakers proposing that teachers have the ability to carry firearms and others looking to add new fees to gun transactions. The universal background checks plan, however, has emerged as the most surprising proposal that has bipartisan support.
Ralph Fascitelli, who leads the gun control group Washington Ceasefire, said the organization didn't believe earlier this year that the idea had a chance of passing the Legislature. That has changed in just the last couple weeks.
"We are increasingly optimistic," Fascitelli said.
While the measure is supported by many Democrats, the background checks plan also picked up support from Republican Rep. Mike Hope of Lake Stevens, Republican Sen. Steve Litzow of Mercer Island and Senate Majority Leader Rodney Tom, a Democrat who has aligned himself with Republicans this year. The Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs also supports the idea.
Background checks are already required when purchases are made at federally licensed gun shops. The bill would expand that requirement to sales between private parties.
Litzow said the bill would do nothing to prevent law-abiding citizens from owning guns.
"It's a common-sense approach to making sure that those who shouldn't own a gun aren't purchasing a gun," Litzow said.
Litzow said he also thinks there is broader support for efforts to change the mental health system, such as making sure there are counselors in schools and increasing capacity so that people can help get loved ones the care they need. Litzow also supports an effort to create penalties for people when children get their accessible guns and injure themselves or others.
The background checks bill is first getting a hearing in the state House next week.
Hope, a Seattle police officer, said the private transactions are occurring all the time and are attractive for criminals who can avoid a background check. He noted that when his employer recently held a gun buyback program, some people were on the streets buying weapons from people who were waiting in line.
"That's exactly what we want to go after. We don't know who's buying the gun," Hope said.
Don Pierce, legislative director at the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs, said curbing violence is only going to be accomplished through a combination of proposals and that the background checks are part of that.
"Part of the solution is to keep guns out of the hands of felons and the mentally ill," Pierce said.
Hope said he expects the bill will pass the House. A spokeswoman for Gov. Jay Inslee said the office hasn't examined the specific language of the background check proposal but is supportive of the idea.
Perhaps the greatest obstacle to the bill would come in the state Senate, where the bill has been assigned to a committee dominated by pro-gun lawmakers. Sen. Pam Roach, R-Auburn, expressed skepticism of whether the background check proposal would help, arguing that the state needs to focus instead on treating the mentally ill. She said she opposes bills that would limit the rights of gun users, such as an assault weapons ban or a limit on magazine capacity.
"You can be in the House and can be supporting some of the bills that will take our freedoms away, but they will die in the Washington state Senate," Roach said.
Fascitelli, the gun control proponent, said he's not very confident the bill would make it out of committee, either. But he's hopeful the Senate will be able to bypass that process and bring the measure straight to the floor.
Litzow said he hasn't yet discussed the gun bill with members of the Senate committee. He wasn't sure about the idea of bypassing the panel.
http://www.komonews.com/news/local/State-lawmakers-near-deal-on-expanded-gun-background-checks-190523451.html (http://www.komonews.com/news/local/State-lawmakers-near-deal-on-expanded-gun-background-checks-190523451.html)
"I don't think that's necessary at this point," Litzow said
Post by: csaaphill on February 10, 2013, 10:13:19 PM