Roper,
Thanks for the heads up. I've known since before the legislative session began that Gov. Inslee was proposing some kind of firearms purchase and possession permit, but no details were provided. Now I know about the details.
HB 1240 is pretty basic about prohibited the sale of assault rifles. For purposes of such a law, the definition of an assault rifle is pretty good. Most hunting rifles won't be affected, but a pretty fair group of varmint rifles look like they fit and would be banned. Members here may want to talk with their representative(s) about this, especially if they are a co-sponsor.
HB 1143 is the bill that has very broad implications. Anyone who wants to buy any firearm must first obtain a permit to do so. The initial cost for this permit is $25 (but may and likely would be increased in subsequent bienniums). And in order to apply for a purchase permit, we have to submit certification of completing a firearms safety course within the last 5 years from a certified trainer. Who knows how much this training course might cost.
I think HB 1143 is well intended, but aside from being unconstitutional, I think it's fraught with problems. We already pay for a background check under the federal NCICS. So now we'll pay an additional $25 for the state permit that includes an expanded background check, among other things. Is this reasonable? And with the allowance for future permit price increases, how much is reasonable to charge to buy a firearm under the 2A?
I think firearm safety training is not only a good idea, it doesn't seem inherently inconsistent with the 2A (second amendment). However, I took basic firearm safety training when I was 12 years old from the old WDG wildlife agent in order to get a hunting license. OK, so that was a long time ago. But Mrs. Salmo and I both took the NRA firearm safety training course a few years ago as a refresher for me and first time for her. But it was more than 5 years ago. So if I want to buy another firearm, I have to take the class again in order to be timely AND buy a permit to purchase. This could get old and be an ongoing nagging cost.
The most interesting feature in the bill, IMO, is that the act of applying for a firearm purchase permit serves as a waiver of mental health confidentiality. The good thing is that it could finally be possible to flag a mentally impaired person and prevent them from acquiring a gun. Of course it's also likely illegal as hell and unconstitutional as well. The ACLU will have a field day over this.
The upshot, again IMO, is 1143 however well intentioned is more likely than not unconstitutional, and I will contact my Representative urging his opposition to it. If the price of criticism is to offer an alternative, my alternative is that Federal universal background checks coupled with a 3 - 10 day waiting period will achieve as much reduction in firearm violence with far less imposition on individual 2A rights, if any, and at less cost, so should be supported instead.
