State of WA goes for "Semi-auto ban"

[tom]

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2010527541_gunban17m.html

State lawmakers to seek ban on sales of semi-automatic weapons

By Molly Rosbach

In response to recent shooting deaths, three state lawmakers say they want to ban the sale of military-style semi-automatic weapons in Washington.

The lawmakers intend to propose the ban in the state legislative session that begins next month.

The legislation, called the Aaron Sullivan Public Safety and Police Protection Bill, would prohibit the sale of such weapons to private citizens and require current owners to pass background checks.

It is named for Aaron Sullivan, 18, who was fatally shot last July in Seattle's Leschi neighborhood, allegedly with an assault-style weapon.

Supporters say they also are motivated by the Oct. 31 slaying of Seattle Police Officer Timothy Brenton and the wounding of his partner. Police believe a .223-caliber semi-automatic rifle was used then.

The bill is backed by Seattle's police department, spokeswoman Renee Witt said. Also pushing it is Washington Ceasefire, a nonprofit that seeks to reduce gun violence. The group plans a news conference today to announce the proposal.

The lawmakers who plan to sponsor the bill are Rep. Ross Hunter, D-Medina; Sen. Adam Kline, D-Seattle; and Sen. Jeanne Kohl-Welles, D-Seattle.

The ban would cover semiautomatics designed for military use that are capable of rapid-fire and can hold more than 10 rounds. Semiautomatics designed for sporting or hunting purposes wouldn't be banned.

"If they're used in the army, used in the war — that's what this ban is about," said Ralph Fascitelli, the board president of Washington Ceasefire.

Dave Workman, senior editor of Gun Week, a publication of the Second Amendment Foundation in Bellevue, said such a ban would punish law-abiding citizens who own such guns.

"I don't care if my neighbor has a dozen of the things; ... as long as he's not hurting anyone or breaking any laws, leave him alone," Workman said.

He also said he doesn't consider the gun police say was used to kill Brenton an assault rifle.

Hunter knows getting the bill through the Legislature would be difficult, because of concerns about limits on gun ownership. However, he thinks the ban is necessary.

"We don't allow people to own tanks or bazookas or machine guns, and very few people think that that's an unreasonable restriction," he said.

Kohl-Welles said the lawmakers are trying to be practical and aren't suggesting guns be taken from current owners.

"What we're trying to get at is there's no place to have sales of military assault rifles or weapons in this state," she said.

She also said she doesn't believe such a ban would violate the Second Amendment, the right to bear arms.

"Did the framers of our Constitution ever envision something like a semi-automatic weapon?" she asked.

Legislative Hotline: 1-800-562-6000 (TTY 1-800-635-9993)

Rep. Ross Hunter
    Email: [email protected]
    Online contact form: https://dlr.leg.wa.gov/MemberEmail/MailForm.aspx?Chamber=H&District=48&Position=1

Sen. Adam Kline
    E-mail: [email protected]
    Online Contact Form: https://dlr.leg.wa.gov/MemberEmail/MailForm.aspx?Chamber=S&District=37

Sen. Jeanne Kohl-Welles
    Email: [email protected]
    Online Contact Form: https://dlr.leg.wa.gov/MemberEmail/MailForm.aspx?Chamber=S&District=36

Online SPD Contact Form:
    https://www.seattle.gov/police/contact_form.htm

[bshupe]

This is sickening! Fotunately for me I live in Washington and have my reps on speed dial/email and they will be hearing from me today!

[tom]

I am counting on those east of the mountains to save those of us in the grips of government command and control in the puget sound.  Though a large number of us in the sound will raise a stink too.

tom

[bshupe]

I already rang thier bell this afternoon. And as a bonus, I may get some additional entries in the 6 percent contest.  lol

[wyoshooter]

I already rang thier bell this afternoon. And as a bonus, I may get some additional entries in the 6 percent contest.  lol

Give 'em hell bshupe.  Shelton would be proud.  I already emailed this to my brother in law and uncle.  I told them to chew some ass on their reps.

[bshupe]

I sent letters to all three of my state reps. Only one has replied, below is what she had to say. I will be following up and pushing back a little in a polite way.


Dear Mr. "bshupe",

 

On behalf of Senator Ranker, thank you for your email.  I am a little confused regarding which legislation you are referring, but we have had several emails regarding HJR 4213/Lakewood Memorial Act and misinformation of how it would pertain to gun control.

 

If this is the legislation in question, I want to let you know that HJR 4213 is not about gun control, rather it is about bail. 

 

With respect to HJR 4213: 

•             This is a resolution which would create a pathway for VOTERS to vote on the issue.

•             If adopted by the voters, this resolution would amend the Washington State Constitution.

•             Currently, the Washington State Constitution requires that courts MUST offer reasonable bail unless the individual is charged with a capital offense—that is, a crime for which the state is seeking the death penalty.  This resolution, if passed by the legislature AND adopted by the people of Washington, would allow judges to deny bail in three strikes cases.  That is, if the individual being held is facing their third felony “strike” then the judge would not have to allow bail.

•             This pertains to the Lake would case because Maurice Clemmons was on his third strike; had this provision been in place, the judge could have had the option of denying bail.  Under current constitutional requirements, the judge had to offer bail, and did so according to the law.

 

For more information pertaining to this bill, please visit http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summary.aspx?bill=4213&year=2009.

 

I hope this helps answer your question.  If this is regarding different legislation and you have any additional questions, please let me know as I would be happy to help. 

 

Have a safe and happy holiday season.

 

Sincerely,

 

Ann Larson  | Legislative Assistant to Senator Kevin Ranker

40th Legislative District | Washington State Senate

(p) 360.899.5638 (f) 360.899.5641 (e) [email protected]

http://www.sdc.wa.gov/senators/ranker/

 

[tom]

There are two different efforts.  The first one is to keep guys from being able to make bail when there are specific circumstance as with the Leschi area criminal.  The second is the Aaron Sullivan Public Safety and Police Protection Bill and that is the gun ban bill.  I don't know if it has any momentum at this point but the continuing parade of people shooting cops is giving us an endless supply of editorials and front-page coverage about we need to do something to protect cops...hmm, ban all guns.....
This is one of today's articles: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/dannywestneat/  I think he is searching (as much as a liberal Seattle Times writer can) for a "balanced" approach

Before the gun toters go all Second Amendment on me, I have always felt the Constitution grants a broad right to own guns. The U.S. Supreme Court has settled that issue, anyway.

But rights aren't unlimited. There's nothing that bars gun registration. Or testing. Or, say, letting police track guns, with licensing or the use of microchips.

He is next on my list of people receiving a letter that will address some of the flaws in his suggestions and to build on his own line about what we do with people's cars and ability to drive vs. ability to use a gun. 

tom