Gov. Inslee Calls for Gun Ban & Permit Mandate

Governor Jay Inslee and Attorney General Bob Ferguson announced that they will continue Washington’s incremental assaults on your rights by asking the Legislature to pass more gun control in 2023.

While text of the proposed legislative package is not yet available, they stated that they want to (1) ban commonly-owned firearms, (2) require a permit to exercise the Second Amendment right to purchase or acquire firearms, and (3) allow lawsuits to bankrupt law-abiding firearm manufacturers when criminals misuse their products.

Inslee explained that Connecticut had a 40% drop in homicide when permit to purchase laws were enacted in 1995.  Inslee failed to mention that the rest of the country had a parallel drop in homicide at the same time, despite no such law.  [Macrotrends]

 

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"The right of the individual citizen to bear arms in defense of himself, or the state, shall not be impaired, but nothing in this section shall be construed as authorizing individuals or corporations to organize, maintain or employ an armed body of men." - Washington State Constitution’s Article 1, Section 24.

Oregon Judge holds gun control law (Measure 114) from taking effect

An Oregon state court judge placed a hold on the state’s strict new voter-approved gun control measure late Tuesday, only hours after a federal court judge allowed a ban on the sale and transfer of high-capacity magazines to go into effect.

Now, Harney County Judge Robert Raschio’s ruling muddies the waters on the implementation of Measure 114, which was set to go into effect Thursday. Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum vowed to appeal the matter straight to the state Supreme Court (Washington Examiner).

"What’s next? We will petition to the Oregon Supreme Court ASAP, seeking to align the result in our state courts with the federal court’s well-reasoned and thoughtful decision (Ellen Rosenblum: Twitter)."

Last month, when the measure looked to pass, some members of law enforcement in Oregon said that they would not enforce aspects of it (Townhall).

WA State Supreme Court: state can collect income tax now

And  decide later whether it’s a legal tax ... .

Washington’s Supreme Court on Wednesday agreed the state can begin writing rules to collect its hotly contested capital gains income tax long before hearing arguments about whether Douglas County Superior Court Judge Douglas Huber’s ruling the measure unconstitutional should be reversed.

In a one-page announcement citing no reasons for accepting the state’s argument for issuing a stay of Huber’s ruling, the justices granted a motion filed in November by Washington State Attorney General Bob Ferguson allowing the state’s Department of Revenue to proceed with plans to impose the tax despite a looming Jan. 26 hearing on its merits.

The Democratically controlled Legislature last year passed, and Gov. Jay Inslee signed into law a measure that would impose a 7 percent tax on income from capital gains above $250,000 a year, such as profits from stocks or business sales.

Exceptions include the sale of real estate, livestock and small family-owned businesses.

The Washington State Constitution, however, requires that such taxes be applied uniformly and cannot exceed one percent without voter approval.

Backers of the tax describe it as an excise tax, but previous court decisions have consistently regarded income as property — which must be taxed at the same rate for everyone.

Freedom Foundation

My Northwest 

Did your vote count?

You can check the stauts of your ballot at votewa.gov.  

Your ballot is 'accepted' if all has gone right. 

If your ballot has been challenged, make sure to get it corrected by Monday, November 28th.  

Washington state income tax battle

Bob Ferguson, Washington State's Attorney General,  took an oath to uphold Washington state’s constitution and laws, not advance a radical political agenda. But you’d never know it judging by his refusal to accept a court ruling declaring unconstitutional the legislature’s attempt to illegally tax income from capital gains.

On Nov. 3, with the Washington State Supreme Court already scheduled to hear oral arguments in the case on Jan. 26, Ferguson filed a motion to stay a ruling issued last April by Douglas County Superior Court Judge Brian Huber invalidating the new tax.

Calling Huber’s decision "incorrect" and "at the very least debatable," Ferguson argued |"(I)t would be profoundly irresponsible for the Department [of Revenue] to fail to prepare to collect the tax in April 2023 as directed by statute."

Washington state law is unequivocal. Statutes declared unconstitutional are deemed void from the outset. They have no legal effect whatsoever and the law treats them as if they never existed.

But the elected attorney general wants the state to collect the tax from people now and decide whether it’s legal later.

On Wednesday, the Freedom Foundation’s legal team filed a brief in opposition to Ferguson’s high-handed actions.

During the 2021 session, the Legislature passed — and Gov. Jay Inslee quickly signed into law — a measure intended to punish the state’s high earners by imposing a 7 percent tax on income from certain capital gains above $250,000 a year, such as profits from stocks or business sales.

The Washington State Constitution, however, clearly states — and nearly 100 years of legal precedent supports — that such taxes must be applied uniformly and cannot exceed 1 percent without voter approval.

Backers of the tax describe it as an excise tax, but previous court decisions have consistently regarded income as property — which must be taxed at the same rate for everyone.

The Freedom Foundation, working with the Seattle law firm of Lane Powell, PC, immediately filed suit to kill the new tax, and Huber last spring sided with the organization. He wrote:

"As a tax on the receipt of income, ESSB 5096 is also properly characterized as a tax on property pursuant to that same case law. This court concludes that ESSB 5096 violates the uniformity and limitation requirements of article VII, sections 1 and 2 of the Washington State Constitution. It violates the uniformity requirement by imposing a 7 percent tax on an individual’s long-term capital gains exceeding $250,000 but imposing zero tax on capital gains below that $250,000 threshold. It violates the limitation requirement because the 7 percent tax exceeds the 1 percent maximum annual property tax rate of 1 percent."

As usual, Ferguson is playing with house money. It costs him nothing but your tax dollars to fight the Washington constitution and the consistently expressed will of the people he’s supposed to represent. Meanwhile, anyone who opposes his agenda must rely on their own resources.

Freedom Foundation Donations

Gun Control Northwest

Nothing new in Washington State, but in Oregon....

In the blue state of Oregon, voters were presented with Measure 114, the 12-page Changes to Firearm Ownership and Purchase Requirements Initiative, described by the NRA as "the nation’s most extreme gun control Initiative."

Among other things, it requires a law enforcement-issued “permit to purchase” to buy or transfer a firearm, requires law enforcement to maintain a registry of gun owners’ personal information (gathered from permit applications), and subjects legitimate gun owners to extra fees to exercise their rights. It also unconstitutionally bans the use, possession, manufacturing, and transfer of magazines with a capacity of more than ten rounds.  

This extreme law was supported by wealthy gun control groups Giffords, Bloomberg’s Everytown, and the Oregon Alliance for Gun Safety. Law enforcement associations, state gun groups.  The National Rifle Association opposed the measure.   

There was a huge funding disparity in the campaign contributions reported in relation to the measure, with $2,930,049.57 in support, and $173,205.26 against.

Large donations from single individuals made up most of the pro-Measure 114 funding, with Connie Ballmer, the wife of Steve Ballmer, billionaire and former Microsoft CEO, being the top donor with a contribution of $750,000, followed by Nicolas Hanauer ($250,000), and Bloomberg’s Everytown PAC donating an additional $155,000.

Even with the campaign spending so massively weighted in favor of the proponents, on election day the measure barely squeaked by, with current results showing just over 50% of voters favored the law.

Late voter registration in WA state

Do you still need to register?

 

You can visit your county elections office until 8 p.m. tonight to register and vote.

 

County elections office contact info: https://www.sos.wa.gov/elections/auditors.aspx

When you vote, remember -- Democracy without personal liberty is pointless.

Washington - vote

The Democrats have been drunk with power, binging on a wild party of spending on themselves, and increasing the burden of taxes on us.  They knowingly indulged themselves with socialist experiments and broken concepts like 'social justice' and 'racial equity (not racial equality)'.   They forgot what is on the line and the human need of right now.

-- Violent crime increase in Washington communities [PostMillenial].
-- Increasing homelessness [Washington State Wire].
–- Skyrocketing prices of everyday necessities like gasoline & food.
–- The American Dream for our children.

Stop the madness now.  Get your ballot marked and in the mail.  Vote to reduce taxation.  Vote to remove the irresponsible Democrats from government.

Termination of COVID emergency proclamations

Governor Inslee issued these rescissions just in time for the elections.  The terminations are effective October 31, 2022 at 11:59 PM.

These orders include the following gubernatorial Proclamations:

20-05.1: Coronavirus Rescission
20-09.5: COVID-19 K-12 Schools Rescission
20-12.6: HigherEd and Vaccine Requirement Rescission
20-25.20: COVID-19 Washington Ready Rescission
20-43.11: COVID-19 OFM Leave Pay Rescission
20-64.6: COVID-19 PRA Contact Tracing Rescission
20-78.1: COVID-19 Stability in Local Health Jurisdictions escission
20-83.3: COVID-19 Restrictions on Travelers Rescission
21-08.2: COVID-19 Safe Workers Rescission
21-14.6: COVID Vaccination Requirement Rescission
21-05.2: Children’s Mental Health Crisis Rescission

Official Actions

Rep. Kim Schrier -- not a police supporter

Rep. Kim Schrier (WA-8) presents herself as a law enforcement supporter.  In her campaign ads she says she has never voted to defund the police.  Does her voting record support her claim?

1. Kim Schrier voted with the Defund the Police movement last year.  She cast her vote for H.R.1280, the "George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2021" (House Clerk).

• The act lowers the criminal intent standard (from willful to knowing or reckless) to convict a law enforcement officer for misconduct in a federal prosecution
• limits qualified immunity as a defense to liability in a private civil action against a law enforcement officer
• grants administrative subpoena power to the Department of Justice (DOJ) in pattern-or-practice investigations
  

2. Kim Schrier voted to cut police funding by $22.2 million through HR 7617 (A DOD bill, with amendments added) (House Clerk).  7617 added restrictions to use of force in policing.  (It also renamed federal property that had been named after enemies of the federal government.)

To correct the phrase Kim Schrier uses in her ad, Let me be clear, Kim Schrier supported defunding the police.  

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H.R.1280 roll call
H.R.1280 text

&

HR 7617 roll call
HR 7617 text see Section 8132 of HR 7617 which added restrictions to use of force in policing.

8th Congressional district Congressional seat

Matt Larkin, the Republican candidate for Congress (WA - 8th district), opposes that idea that pregnant women have unlimited right to abortion on demand.  Larkin says he values human life

The Kim Schrier (WA - 8) congressional campaign is advertising that Matt Larkin would specifically deny access to abortion services to Spanish speakers.  She pretends Spanish speakers have special need to get abortions.  Her ad is in Spanish. 

In response to Kim Schrier,

Ella es racista al sugerir que las mujeres que habla Español tienen especial necesidad de acceder al aborto.

Vota por Larkin.

Framing Republicans in King County

In an attempt to create confusion and distrust in local elections, some lightweight political terrorist is trying to frame Republicans for interference with voting.

The alleged interference is in the form of signs telling voters that balloting ballot drop stations are "under surveillance."  The sign has a scannable QR link to the King County Republicans website.

The presence of the link should dissuade anyone from believing the Republicans are behind this.  Why would the culprit be so bold?  Anyway, when you go to the website, there is only the standard party organization stuff and nothing about balloting control.  Local media reporting the story put their bias on display by assuming the Republicans actually are behind this.

It's an obvious false flag operation.  You must wonder if anyone will fall for it.

In fact, this might be a crime.  Because there is actual voter intimidation going on, whoever posted the signs may face criminal prosecution.  But you can be sure the Republican Party had nothing to do with it.

King County Elections asked the Sheriff to investigate.  

(Chronical)

State of the income tax challenge

Last year, the State Legislature enacted a 7% tax on gains from the sale of stocks, bonds, businesses and other investments, if the net income  exceeded $250,000.  The Legislature, and present State Attorney General Bob Ferguson, claim that makes the tax  a sales tax.

Opponents of the new tax say a capital gains tax is an income tax.  The case is being handled by former State Attorney General Rob McKenna.

In march, the Douglas County Superior Court struck down the new tax.

The state appealed the decision. On Wednesday, the State Supreme Court agreed to hear the case directly, bypassing the State Appeals Court system.  The action is titled  Quinn v. State of Washington.

The 14th Amendment of the state's constitution states all taxes in the state must be "uniform upon the same class of property." Property is defined as "everything, whether tangible or intangible, subject to ownership."

(Freedom Foundation)

Gun Control - The Ten Round Limit & Supreme Court Rulings.

In a case that may have bearing on on Washington state citizens (see WA Senate Bill 5078), the Supreme Court of the United States issued orders in two other cases. ANJRPC v. Bruck and Duncan v. Bonta, challenge New Jersey and California laws that ban magazines capable of holding more than 10 rounds of ammunition.  The National Rifle Association's Institute for Legislative Action brought both actions.

The Third and Ninth Circuits, over dissents, had upheld the bans by balancing the state governments’ safety interests with the restriction on the right to keep and bear arms. Then both cases were appealed to the Supreme Court. 

On June 30th, SCOTUS vacated and remanded both cases back to the lower courts to rehear them and to apply the text-and-history test that it adopted in Bruen—not the interest-balancing tests that the courts applied previously. This is a good result that effectively gives us a second and better shot at winning the cases.  (SCOTUS summary disposition - pdf)

Initiative 1499 for repeal the income tax

The Democrat controlled legislature enacted a capital gains tax (SB 5096 - 2021-22) as a first step in the plan to impose a general state income tax (as if we don't already have high enough taxes). 

The Washington State Constitution prohibits an income tax, according to the Attorney General's office (WSoAG).  To get around this, the legislators called the tax an excise tax imposed on the capital gains of income earners.  This is dishonest bending of the meaning of the word "excise".  Plus, the Dems have already leaked plans to broaden their tax beyond capital gains and extend their income tax to the lower income brackets (Northern Light).

But citizen Joel Ard proposed Initiative 1499, to stop the legislature's dishonest nonsense.  1499 states in part:

(1) The state is prohibited from imposing or collecting taxes based on personal income.
(2) The prohibition in this section applies to taxes based on personal income whether imposed on taxpayers or taxpayers' employers and whether called incomes taxes, payroll taxes, or excise taxes and therefore includes a seven percent tax imposed on certain individuals' capital gains enacted in 2021 and repealed by section 2 of this act.

I-1499  will protect all Washington State residents from income tax.  The initiative text is here as a pdf.

We have to collect enough signatures to get the measure on the ballot (Permanent Offense).

Gun rights court victory

The Washington State Supreme Court gave law-abiding Washington gun owners something to celebrate.

In a unanimous opinion, the Court ruled that the City of Edmonds’ storage ordinances violated the state’s preemption law. These ordinances required firearms to be locked at all times within the home, and imposed liability on gun owners if their firearms were ever accessed by a prohibited person.  The case is captioned Bass v. City of Edmonds.

This victory comes after the Washington Court of Appeals issued a similar opinion last year. And yesterday, the state’s high court rejected the narrow reading of the preemption statute proposed by the City of Edmonds and the Everytown attorneys that were representing the city in this litigation: “The legislature plainly meant to broadly preempt local lawmaking concerning firearms except where specifically authorized.”

This ruling is a win for gun owners in Washington, and more importantly, a win against activist local governments that attempt to illegally infringe on their citizens’ rights. This decision says clearly that local governments in the Evergreen State do not have the authority to restrict Second Amendment rights.

The ruling will have an immediate impact across the state, too.  The City of Seattle has similar gun storage ordinances.

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Washington State gun rights summary,  by the National Rifle Association

State lawyers appeal capital gains tax case directly to Washington Supreme Court

As expected, the state of Washington on March 25 bypassed the appellate court level and took its arguments directly to the state Supreme Court following Douglas County Superior Court Judge Brian Huber’s ruling earlier this month striking down Washington’s new capital gains tax.

Supporters knew the tax had constitutional problems — in addition to being wildly unpopular with the public — when it was passed by the 2021 Washington State Legislature and signed into law by Gov. Jay Inslee. But they clearly hoped the matter would eventually find its way to the reliably liberal state Supreme Court, whose justices they hoped would ignore the clear language of Washington’s constitution and 90 years of legal precedent to validate it anyway.

The Freedom Foundation, along with the Seattle law firm Lane Powell PC, was the first to file a legal challenge to the tax. That lawsuit was later joined with another filed by a coalition of farmers, business owners, investors and the Washington Farm Bureau.

Direct appeals to the Supreme Court are rarely granted but, given the sweeping nature of Huber’s rebuke, attorneys for the state obviously feared a second setback at the appeals court level could put the Supreme Court justices in an even tighter box.

Looking at it from the perspective of Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson, however, the appeal is a win-win proposition. It costs him nothing but the taxpayers’ money if the case is thrown out yet again, and it’s the court, not him, who looks bad if the tax is reinstated.

The Washington State Constitution unequivocally bans property and income taxes that aren’t applied uniformly. Lawmakers could have circumvented that obstacle by passing a flat tax requiring everyone to pay the same rate, but the Democrat-dominated Legislature demanded a measure that punishes behavior they oppose — in this case financial success.

(Freedom Foundation)

Status of WA state income tax

The Freedom Foundation is struggling to keep Washington State income tax free.  This summary of current events is provided by the Freedom Foundation.

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Moments after Washington Gov. Jay Inslee signed the state’s new capital gains tax into law, the Freedom Foundation filed a lawsuit challenging the unconstitutional measure. Since filing the lawsuit nearly a year ago, we’ve earned some major wins.

The Washington Attorney General’s Office tried to get our case dismissed, but its attempts were unsuccessful. Meanwhile, the judge also ruled to hear the case in Douglas County and not move the hearing to Thurston County.

The biggest win, though, came earlier this month when Judge Brian Huber struck down the tax, declaring it, “… unconstitutional and invalid and, therefore, void and inoperable as a matter of law.”

These victories would not be possible without your generous support. But the fight isn’t over yet… and we need your help!

To the delight of Washington’s tax-and-spend leftists, Inslee is doubling down on his dream of imposing a new burden on taxpayers by appealing the state’s recent legal beatdown directly to the state Supreme Court.

Supporters of the tax knew it had constitutional problems — in addition to being wildly unpopular with the public — when it was passed by the 2021 Washington State Legislature. But they clearly hoped the matter would eventually find its way to the reliably liberal state Supreme Court, whose justices they hoped would ignore the clear language of Washington’s constitution.

Direct appeals to the Supreme Court are rarely granted. However, looking at it from the perspective of Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson, the appeal is a win-win proposition. It costs him nothing but your tax dollars if the case is thrown out yet again, and it’s the court, not him, who looks bad if the tax is reinstated.

Regardless of whether the next legal fight ends up before the state Supreme Court or the state Court of Appeals, the Freedom Foundation’s legal team is moving forward to defend Judge Huber’s decision. 

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The Freedom Foundation's efforts do not com free, but they are certainly less expensive than unlimited government tax-and-spend would be.  We can help the foundation gear up for the next battle in this saga.  Give to the Freedom Foundation

Losing gun rights

Thanks, everybody, for your efforts to stop the vile stupidity from the gun-control Democrats in Olympia.

Governor Jay Inslee turned his back on law-abiding gun owners and ignored overwhelming public opposition, and has once again snubbed our right to self-defense.  This morning, the Governor signed anti-gun measures, Senate Bill 5078, House Bill 1705, and House Bill 1630.  The NRA and Second Amendment supporters from across the state crowded virtual committee rooms and legislator inboxes with cries of "Vote No," and "Veto," setting state records for public engagement in numerous hearings.  

Despite that, Governor Inslee decided that making the anti-gun Washington elite happy was more important than allowing the law-abiding populace of his state to be able to defend themselves and their loved ones effectively.  ​

The 10-round magazine ban is enacted.  Senate Bill 5078 bans the manufacture, sale, transfer, importation, etc., of magazines that “are capable of holding,” or hold more than, 10 rounds of ammunition.  This includes conversion kits or parts from which any such magazine may be assembled.  These so-called “high capacity” magazines are, in fact, standard equipment for commonly-owned firearms that many Americans constitutionally and effectively use for an entire range of lawful purposes, such as self-defense or competition.  Any violation of this measure is a gross misdemeanor, punishable by a maximum of 364 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $5,000.

The "Ghost Guns" ban is enacted.  House Bill 1705 further restricts the centuries-old practice of manufacturing firearms for personal use and self-defense by imposing requirements that far exceed those in federal law.  It prohibits private individuals from possessing certain unregulated components commonly used by Americans to make their own firearms for self-defense, sport and hobby, and from possessing currently legal firearms that don’t have serial numbers. This bill makes lawfully built firearms retroactively illegal if built after 2019. 

The ban on firearms from election-related places,school board and municipal meetings.  House Bill 1630 prohibits open carry at school board meetings, municipal meetings and election-related places.   Further, HB 1630 bans all firearms at ballot counting centers, including by Concealed Pistol License  holders. 

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Public policy that looks to disarm those who follow the laws in hopes that criminals will do the same is dangerous, misguided, and shameful.  The NRA-ILA has fought these measures across the United States and has brought legal challenges against similar unconstitutional magazine bans from New Jersey and California.

Stand and Fight. And do not vote for or donate to Democrats.

Legilslative activity summary & gun restrictions

309 regulatory and tax bills passed both houses of the Washington state legislature.  The list of all 309 bills can be found at this link.  

The governor may not have signed all bills yet, so they may not yet be law.

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The following bills are on the governor's desk.  Governor Inslee has not signed them into law yet.

• Senate Bill 5078 - The 10-round magazine ban
• House Bill 1705 - “GHOST Guns” ban
• House Bill 1630 - Ban firearms from election-related places, school board and municipal meetings
• House Bill 1901 - Expands Red Flag laws & prohibit firearms possession through civil protection orders

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Please email Governor Jay Inslee and urge him to VETO these bills.   Tell him the state has no right to complicate a person's self-defense.  Also, remind him the state constitution recognizes our individual right to be armed in defense of self (Article 1, Section 24) 

Here's a suggested message:

Please veto Senate Bill 5078 and House Bill 1705, HB 1630 & HB 1901

"The state has no right to complicate a person's self-defense.  The state constitution recognizes our individual right to be armed in defense of self (Article 1, Section 24).  Firearm restrictions only affect the law abiding, and will not stop criminals even slightly.

Thank you for your attention"

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The Legislature is not scheduled to reconvene until January 2023.

Ask Governor Inslee to VETO the legislature's gun control

This year, anti-gun Washington Legislators placed law-abiding gun owners in their sights and made it their priority to pull no punches infringing on our Second Amendment rights.  While this session saw the passage of numerous anti-gun measures, it was not without its victories as well.  Thanks to the calls and emails from NRA Members and Second Amendment supporters, a number of equally bad measures were thankfully defeated.  Please contact Governor Jay Inslee and respectfully ask him to veto the below anti-gun measures.

Its easier if you use the NRA link to make your remarks 

Awaiting Governor Jay Inslee’s Consideration:

10-ROUND MAGAZINE BAN - Senate Bill 5078 bans the manufacture, sale, transfer, importation, etc., of magazines that “are capable of holding,” or hold more than, 10 rounds of ammunition.  This includes conversion kits or parts from which any such magazine may be assembled.  These so-called “high capacity” magazines are, in fact, standard equipment for commonly-owned firearms that many Americans constitutionally and effectively use for an entire range of lawful purposes, such as self-defense or competition.  For example, the Glock 19 was the most commonly purchased firearm of 2021 and has a standard-issue magazine that holds 15 rounds of ammunition.  Any violation of this measure is a gross misdemeanor, punishable by a maximum of 364 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $5,000.

“GHOST GUNS” BAN - House Bill 1705 further restricts the centuries-old practice of manufacturing firearms for personal use and self-defense by imposing requirements that far exceed those in federal law.  It seeks to prohibit private individuals from possessing certain unregulated components commonly used by Americans to make their own firearms for self-defense, sport and hobby, and from possessing currently legal firearms that don’t have serial numbers. This bill would make lawfully built firearms retroactively illegal if built after 2019. 

BAN FIREARMS FROM ELECTION-RELATED PLACES, SCHOOL BOARD AND MUNICIPAL MEETINGS - House Bill 1630 prohibits open carry at school board meetings, municipal meetings and election-related places. Further, HB 1630 bans all firearms at ballot counting centers, including by CPL Holders.

EXPAND RED FLAG LAWS THROUGH CIVIL PROTECTION ORDERS - House Bill 1901 would allow petitioners for civil protection orders to assert that another has “coercive control” over them, leading to an unconstitutional revocation of firearm rights without due process of law. This bill is ripe for abuse.

10 round limit clears legislature - tell the governor to veto it

Gun Control in Washington

Senate Bill 5078, which bans the manufacture, sale, transfer, importation, etc., of magazines that hold more than 10 rounds has passed both the WA House and WA Senate.  The vote was along party lines with every Democrat voting to restrict self-defense  (The point here is Do not vote for Democrats).

Governor Inslee may sign the 10 round bill in the next few days.  Let him know how you feel about being told your gun holds too much ammunition for you to legally defend you life.

Click here to contact Governor Jay Inslee.  Tell him the state has no right to complicate a person's self-defense.  Also remind him the state constitution recognizes our individual right to be armed in defense of self (Article 1, Section 24) 

Here's a suggested message:

Please veto Senate Bill 5078.

"The state has no right to complicate a person's self-defense.  The state constitution recognizes our individual right to be armed in defense of self (Article 1, Section 24).  Ammunition limitations only affect the law abiding, and will not stop criminals even slightly.

Thank you for your attention"

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You can also use the NRA action link

 

Related action -- ask Governor Inslee to Veto all three gun control bills.  Click here.

10 Round ban -- legislative Rush

Update:  The 10 round magazine ban has passed the legislature.  It has moved on to governor Inslee's desk.  Email him to ask him to please veto Senate Bill 5078.  

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Last night, Senate Bill 5078, the 10-round Magazine Ban legislation, was sent to the House floor and could be heard at any moment. Anti-gun legislators are pulling out all the stops to get this measure passed as soon as possible.  It is critical that you contact your state Representative and respectfully urge them to OPPOSE Senate Bill 5078.  This is the last chance for NRA Members and Second Amendment supporters to contact their Representatives in opposition to this extreme anti-gun measure before it goes to proven anti-gun Governor Jay Inslee.

Senate Bill 5078, bans the manufacture, sale, transfer, importation, etc., of magazines that “are capable of holding,” or hold more than, 10 rounds of ammunition.  This includes conversion kits or parts from which any such magazine may be assembled.  These so-called “high capacity” magazines are, in fact, standard equipment for commonly-owned firearms that many Americans constitutionally and effectively use for an entire range of lawful purposes, such as self-defense or competition.  For example, the Glock 19 was the most commonly purchased firearm of 2021 and has a standard-issue magazine that holds 15 rounds of ammunition.  Any violation of this measure is a gross misdemeanor, punishable by a maximum of 364 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $5,000.

It is crucial for you to contact your state Representative and ask them to OPPOSE Senate Bill 5078.  Don’t forget to forward this to your family, friends, fellow gun owners, and Second Amendment supporters asking them to also email their state Representative respectfully urging them to OPPOSE SB 5078.

Gun control moves through WA Legislature toward enactment.

Update:  The 10 round magazine ban has passed the legislature.  It has moved on to governor Inslee's desk.  Email him to ask him to please veto Senate Bill 5078. 

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Please click both of the “Take Action” buttons to ask Governor Inslee to VETO The Ghost Guns ban, House Bill 1705. and your State Representative to OPPOSE Open Carry prohibition, House Bill 1630.

Last night, the Washington Senate passed a pair of anti-gun bills that would do nothing to prevent crime and only target the actions of law-abiding gun owners, House Bill 1705 and House Bill 1630.  House Bill 1705 was passed by a narrow vote of 26-23 and now heads to the desk of Governor Jay Inslee for his consideration.  House Bill 1630 was amended and was passed by a 28-20-1 vote. HB 1630 now heads back to the House for a concurrence vote.  Please click both of the “Take Action” buttons below to ask Governor Inslee to VETO House Bill 1705, and your State Representative to OPPOSE House Bill 1630.

“GHOST GUNS” BAN – House Bill 1705 further restricts the centuries-old practice of manufacturing firearms for personal use and self-defense by imposing requirements that far exceed those in federal law.  It seeks to prohibit private individuals from possessing certain unregulated components commonly used by Americans to make their own firearms for self-defense, sport and hobby, and from possessing currently legal firearms that don’t have serial numbers. This bill would make lawfully built firearms retroactively illegal if built after 2019. 

BAN FIREARMS FROM ELECTION-RELATED PLACES, SCHOOL BOARD AND MUNICIPAL MEETINGS – House Bill 1630 prohibits open carry at school board meetings, municipal meetings and election-related places. Further, HB 1630 bans all firearms at ballot counting centers, including by CPL Holders.

Olympia -- Three more gun restrictions in the works

 Please oppose these three gun ban bills.

“GHOST GUNS” BAN – House Bill 1705 further restricts the centuries-old practice of manufacturing firearms for personal use and self-defense by imposing requirements that far exceed those in federal law.  

The bill seeks to prohibit private individuals from possessing certain unregulated components commonly used by Americans to make their own firearms for self-defense, sport and hobby, and from possessing currently legal firearms that don’t have serial numbers. 

This bill would make lawfully built firearms retroactively illegal if built after 2019. 

BAN FIREARMS FROM ELECTION-RELATED PLACES, SCHOOL BOARD AND MUNICIPAL MEETINGS – House Bill 1630 prohibits any firearm at school board meetings, including Concealed Pistol License holders, and bans the open carry of firearms at municipal meetings. This bill would also prohibit open-carry at election-related places, and prohibit CPL holders from ballot-counting centers.

EXPAND RED FLAG LAWS - House Bill 1901 would allow petitioners for civil protection orders to assert that another has “coercive control” over them, leading to an unconstitutional revocation of firearm rights without due process of law.  

This bill creates situations where otherwise lawful activities, such as carrying a firearm, can be cause for bad actors to falsely assert malicious intent and call for one’s Second Amendment rights to be revoked.  

Further, this measure permits the release of private and protected personal information contained in concealed pistol license applications, to authorized persons and would create an environment that is ripe for abuse.

Click to email the Senate Rules Committee.  You will find pre-written emails or you can compose your own.

Ten round limit legislation one vote away from passage

Oppose the 10 round limit.  Oppose Senate Bill 5078.  Be sure to register your opposition again.  This is it. 

Late last week, Magazine Ban legislation, Senate Bill 5078, was passed out of the House Committee on Civil Rights and Judiciary on a party-line 11 D versus 6 R vote.  Anti-gun legislators are pulling out all the stops to get this measure passed as soon as possible; it now heads to the Rules Committee and it could receive a final vote on the House Floor as early as Wednesday, February 23. 

Senate Bill 5078, bans the manufacture, sale, transfer, importation, etc., of magazines that “are capable of holding,” or hold more than, 10 rounds of ammunition.  This includes conversion kits or parts from which any such magazine may be assembled.  

These so-called “high capacity” magazines are, in fact, standard equipment for commonly-owned firearms that many Americans constitutionally and effectively use for an entire range of lawful purposes, such as self-defense or competition.  For example, the Glock 19 was the most commonly purchased firearm of 2021 and has a standard-issue magazine that holds 15 rounds of ammunition. 

Any violation of this measure would be a gross misdemeanor, punishable by a maximum of 364 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $5,000.

A ban on possession the magazine your firearm came with is a clear violation of the state's Constitutional right to "bear arms in defense of self and state," let alone the US 2nd Amendment.

Oppose the 10 round limit.  Oppose Senate Bill 5078.

Olympia moves ahead with two gun restrictions

On Monday, February 21, the Washington Senate Law and Justice Committee is scheduled to consider two major anti-gun measures.  Please contact committee members and ask them to oppose the below gun control measures.

Strive for freedom.  Use the NRA link to take action.

1.  “Ghost Guns” ban  - HB 1705 further restricts the centuries-old practice of manufacturing firearms for personal use and self-defense by imposing requirements that far exceed those in federal law.  It seeks to prohibit private individuals from possessing certain unregulated components commonly used by hobbyists to make their own firearms, as well as possessing currently legal firearms that don’t have serial numbers.

2.  Ban firearms from election-related places, school board and municipal meetings -  HB 1630 prohibits any firearm at school board meetings off-campus or at municipal meetings, including CPL holders. This bill would also prohibit open-carry at election-related places, and prohibit CPL holders from ballot-counting centers.

Please contact members of the Senate Law and Justice Committee and ask them to Oppose House Bill 1705 and House Bill 1630.

“Ghost Guns” Ban

HB 1705 adds restrictions to the centuries-old practice of manufacturing firearms for personal use ​and self-defense by imposing requirements that far exceed those in federal law.  It seeks to prohibit private individuals from possessing certain unregulated components commonly used by hobbyists to make their own firearms, as well as possessing currently legal firearms that may not have serial numbers -- many older .22 rimfire rifles also fall into this category.

The bill has passed the House and is in Law and Justice Committee in the Senate.  Let's make the bill die in committee.

The NRA furnished a link to make writing your opinion to the Senate committee members straightforward and easy. 

Click here to use the link. 

The innocent public should not be trampled on.  If the legislature really cared about public safety they would make criminals pay for their crimes rather than setting them free.

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Your rights are at risk this legislative session -- other articles

• Magazine ban legislation moving ahead --- so lets stop it.

• Magazine 10 round limit up for a vote soon

• Gun rights at risk -- Olympia

• More poisonous gun control from Olympia

Magazine ban legislation moving ahead --- so lets stop it.

On Wednesday, February 16, the House Civil Rights and Judiciary Committee is scheduled to consider an amended version of extreme magazine ban legislation, Senate Bill 5078.  The measure only passed out of the Senate late last week and has already been referred and scheduled for a committee hearing. 

Senate Bill 5078 bans the manufacture, possession, sale, transfer, importation, etc., of magazines that “are capable of holding,” or hold more than, 10 rounds of ammunition.  This includes conversion kits or parts from which any such magazine may be assembled.  These so-called “high capacity” magazines are, in fact, standard equipment for commonly-owned firearms that many Americans constitutionally and effectively use for an entire range of lawful purposes, such as self-defense or competition.  For example, the Glock 19 was the most commonly purchased firearm of 2021 and has a standard-issue magazine that holds 15 rounds of ammunition.  

Any violation of this measure is a gross misdemeanor, punishable by a maximum of 364 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $5,000.

Please record your opposition for the record.  This does not require testimony.

• Go to: CSI (wa.gov)
• Select - Committee: Civil Rights & Judiciary and Meetings: 2/16/22 at 10:00AM
• Select Agenda Item: ESSB 5078 Large capacity magazines
• Select Type of Testimony: "I would like my position noted for the legislative record"
• Select: "CON"

Please contact members of the House Civil Rights and Judiciary Committee and ask them to OPPOSE Senate Bill 5078.  Remind the representatives that We the People have the right to be armed in defense of self  under the Washington State Constitution, therefore HB 5078 would illegally make many common self-defense weapons illegal.

1. Rep. Drew Hansen https://app.leg.wa.gov/pbc/memberEmail/23/2
2. Rep. Tarra Simmons https://app.leg.wa.gov/pbc/memberEmail/23/1
   
3. Rep. Jim Walsh https://app.leg.wa.gov/pbc/memberEmail/19/1
4. Rep. Greg Gilday https://app.leg.wa.gov/pbc/memberEmail/10/1
   
5. Rep. Jenny Graham https://app.leg.wa.gov/pbc/memberEmail/6/2
6. Rep. Peter Abbarno https://app.leg.wa.gov/pbc/memberEmail/20/1
7. Rep. Lauren Davis https://app.leg.wa.gov/pbc/memberEmail/32/2
8. Rep. Debra Entenman https://app.leg.wa.gov/pbc/memberEmail/47/1
9. Rep. Roger Goodman https://app.leg.wa.gov/pbc/memberEmail/45/1
10. Rep. Steve Kirby https://app.leg.wa.gov/pbc/memberEmail/29/2
    
11. Rep. Brad Klippert https://app.leg.wa.gov/pbc/memberEmail/8/1
12. Rep. Tina Orwall https://app.leg.wa.gov/pbc/memberEmail/33/1
    
13. Rep. Strom Peterson https://app.leg.wa.gov/pbc/memberEmail/21/1
14. Rep. My-Linh Thai https://app.leg.wa.gov/pbc/memberEmail/41/2
    
15. Rep. Javier Valdez https://app.leg.wa.gov/pbc/memberEmail/46/2
16. Rep. Amy Walen https://app.leg.wa.gov/pbc/memberEmail/48/2
    
17. Rep. Alex Ybarra https://app.leg.wa.gov/pbc/memberEmail/13/2
    

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"The right of the individual citizen to bear arms in defense of himself, or the state, shall not be impaired [to defend the state includes bearing arms outside private home at all times], but nothing in this section shall be construed as authorizing individuals or corporations to organize, maintain or employ an armed body of men [no personal army is implied].  -- Washington State Constitution, Article 1, Section 24, Right to Bear Arms.

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Your rights are at risk this legislative session -- other articles

• Magazine ban legislation moving ahead --- so lets stop it.

• Magazine 10 round limit up for a vote soon

• Gun rights at risk -- Olympia

• More poisonous gun control from Olympia

Washington Legislature: 10 Round Magazine Ban Legislation Passed the Senate

Last night, the Washington Senate passed an amended version of extreme magazine ban legislation limiting ammunition magazines to 10 rounds, Senate Bill 5078, by a 28 to 20 vote.  The measure will now be sent to the House of Representatives where it will be referred to a committee for further consideration. Contact your Representative in opposition to this measure.

Senate Bill 5078, bans the manufacture, possession, sale, transfer, importation, etc., of magazines that “are capable of holding,” or hold more than, 10 rounds of ammunition.  This includes conversion kits or parts from which any such magazine may be assembled.  These so-called “high capacity” magazines are, in fact, standard equipment for commonly-owned firearms that many Americans constitutionally and effectively use for an entire range of lawful purposes, such as self-defense or competition.  For example, the Glock 19 was the most commonly purchased firearm of 2021 and has a standard-issue magazine that holds 15 rounds of ammunition. Those who own non-compliant magazines prior to the ban are only allowed to possess them on their own property and in other limited instances, such as at licensed shooting ranges or while hunting.  Prohibited magazines have to be transported unloaded and locked separately from firearms, and must be stored locked at home, making them unavailable for self-defense.  Any violation of this measure is a gross misdemeanor, punishable by a maximum of 364 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $5,000.

OPPOSE Senate Bill 5078.

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There are more actions you can take to preserve your right to be armed:

Please oppose

House Bill 1618  Prohibiting weapons at election-related offices and facilities except for law enforcement.  This eliminates practical self-defense for election workers.

House Bill 1630   More restrictions on the possession of weapons in some locations.  Death by a thousand cuts....

House Bill 1705   "Ghost guns" prohibition.  Would forbid modification of firearms, calling them homemade.  Update HB 1705 is now SHB 1705 and has made it to the House Floor.  Contact your representative to voice your opposition.

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Contact House Civil Rights & Judiciary Committee members to oppose other anti-gun legislation, House Bill 1618, House Bill 1630, and House Bill 1705. Link https://act.nraila.org/campaign/37217/

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Your rights are at risk this legislative session -- other articles

Magazine ban legislation moving ahead --- so lets stop it.

Magazine 10 round limit up for a vote soon 

Gun rights at risk -- Olympia 

More poisonous gun control from Olympia

Magazine 10 round limit up for a vote soon

Today, the Washington Senate amended an already extreme magazine ban bill to limit magazine capacity in the state to 10 rounds.  This measure is expected receive a vote ​at any time.

Please contact your State Senator and ask them to STRONGLY OPPOSE Senate Bill 5078.

Senate Bill 5078, bans the manufacture, possession, sale, transfer, etc., of magazines that “are capable of holding,” or hold more than, 10 rounds of ammunition.  This includes conversion kits or parts from which any such magazine may be assembled.  

These so-called “high capacity” magazines are, in fact, standard equipment for commonly-owned firearms that many Americans legally and effectively use for an entire range of legitimate purposes, such as self-defense or competition.  For example, the Glock 19 was the most commonly purchased firearm of 2021 and has a standard-issue magazine that holds 15 rounds of ammunition. 

Those who own non-compliant magazines prior to the ban are only allowed to possess them on their own property and in other limited instances, such as at licensed shooting ranges or while hunting.  Prohibited magazines have to be transported unloaded and locked separately from firearms, and must be stored locked at home, making them unavailable for self-defense.  

Any violation of this measure is a gross misdemeanor punishable by a maximum of 364 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $5,000.

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If you don't have your district information on hand, use the Find your district link.  Enter your address and the link will tell who your state Senator and Representatives are  (It also tells you who your US Senators and Representative are).  The state Senator listing will include the Senator's email.

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Your rights are at risk this legislative session -- other articles

Magazine ban legislation moving ahead --- so lets stop it.

Washington Legislature: 10 Round Magazine Ban Legislation Passed the Senate  

Gun rights at risk -- Olympia 

More poisonous gun control from Olympia

The Legislature adjusts spending budget (up mostly)

The Legislature continues its mostly virtual session in Olympia and will soon be approaching the second month of session. With all three of the state’s two-year budgets approved last April during the 105-day session, the primary focus of the current legislative session is to make adjustments as needed to the existing budgets. The Legislature is now considering adjustments to those budgets during the second half of the current session -- so it is helpful to review the existing budgets. 

All three budgets authorize spending throughout the two-year period from July 1, 2021, through June 30, 2023. The operating budget ($59.2 billion), transportation budget ($11.8 billion), and capital budget ($6.3 billion) were finalized after much negotiation in April 2021 during the final days of session.

This is a graphic level presentation of the budgets.  

The state operating budget has grown considerably in recent years. The 2013-15 budget authorized $33.9 billion in state spending. The budget approved on April 25 for the 2021-23 biennium is $59.2 billion, which represents an increase of nearly 75 percent over the 10-year period, which is well beyond inflation costs.

The operating budget funds the day-to-day operations of the state, including K-12 education, higher education, human services, natural resources, and other programs. Nearly half of state expenditures are dedicated to K-12 education. Other expenditures include Medicaid, long-term care, and other programs.

For more information on Washington State spending budgets, click here.

Gun rights at risk -- Olympia

Your self defense rights are under attack in Washington state. This week, the Washington House and Senate could consider and pass seven different anti-gun measures that could lead to the most restrictive gun laws in the country, and your lawmakers need to hear from you now!  

Please contact your State Senator and Representative, and ask them to OPPOSE the below gun control measures.  Email your legislators. or you can click here to send the legislature a canned message via the NRA's easy-to-use link to contact the legislature.

SEMI-AUTOMATIC FIREARMS BAN - Senate Bill 5217 arbitrarily classifies many popularly-owned semi-automatic firearms as so-called “assault weapons” and bans their possession, manufacture, transfer, etc.  These firearms are widely used for self-defense, recreational shooting, and hunting, and have now been vilified due to cosmetic features.  It is extremely important that NRA Members and Second Amendment supporters contact their lawmakers in opposition to SB 5217.

MAGAZINE BAN - Senate Bill 5078, bans the manufacture, possession, sale, transfer, etc., of magazines that “are capable of holding,” or hold more than, 17 rounds of ammunition. Amendments to the bill are expected to lower this to 12 or even 10 rounds. This includes conversion kits or parts from which any such magazine may be assembled.  These so-called “high capacity” magazines are, in fact, standard equipment for commonly-owned firearms that many Americans legally and effectively use for an entire range of legitimate purposes, such as self-defense or competition.  Those who own non-compliant magazines prior to the ban are only allowed to possess them on their own property and in other limited instances, such as at licensed shooting ranges or while hunting.  Prohibited magazines have to be transported unloaded and locked separately from firearms, and must be stored locked at home, making them unavailable for self-defense.  Any violation of this measure is a gross misdemeanor punishable by a maximum of 364 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $5,000. ​

ANTI-PREEMPTION - Senate Bill 5568 guts the state’s preemption laws.  SB 5568 will expand gun free zones and permit municipalities to ban the open carry of firearms.  These types of measures result in a complex patchwork of gun laws across the state that ensnare otherwise law-abiding gun owners, turning them into criminals.

"GHOST" GUNS BAN - House Bill 1705 further restricts the centuries-old practice of manufacturing firearms for personal use ​and self-defense by imposing requirements that far exceed those in federal law.  It seeks to prohibit private individuals from possessing certain unregulated components commonly-used by hobbyists to make their own firearms, as well as possessing currently legal firearms that don’t have serial numbers.

BAN FIREARMS FROM ELECTION-RELATED PLACES - House Bill 1618 prohibits the carrying of any firearm, whether open or concealed, into an “election related office or facility” including polling places, voter registration centers, and more.  Violation would be a gross misdemeanor and revocation of a concealed pistol license for at least three years.

BAN FIREARMS FROM SCHOOL BOARD AND MUNICIPAL MEETINGS - House Bill 1630 prohibits the carrying of firearms at school board or local municipality meetings. Violation may also result in revocation of a concealed pistol license for at least three years.

EXPAND CIVIL PROTECTION ORDERS FOR CLEANING, STORING OR CARRYING FIREARMS - House Bill 1901 would allow petitioners for civil protection orders to assert that another has “coercive control” over them, leading to an unconstitutional revocation of firearm rights.  Examples of coercive control listed in the bill include “cleaning, accessing, displaying, using, or wearing a firearm in an intimidating or threatening manner” – even within one’s own home. This is ripe for abuse.

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• United States Constitution, 2nd Amendment "A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed."
• Washington State Constitution, Article II, SECTION 24 RIGHT TO BEAR ARMS. "The right of the individual citizen to bear arms in defense of himself, or the state, shall not be impaired, but nothing in this section shall be construed as authorizing individuals or corporations to organize, maintain or employ an armed body of men [no private armies]."

Click here to send the legislature a message.  The National Rifle Association has furnished an easy to use link to contact the legislature. 

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Your rights are at risk this legislative session -- other articles

Magazine ban legislation moving ahead --- so lets stop it.

Washington Legislature: 10 Round Magazine Ban Legislation Passed the Senate  

Magazine 10 round limit up for a vote soon 

More poisonous gun control from Olympia