Contact Your Representatives NOW
The state House of Representatives was supposed to start debating House Bill 1588 four hours ago, but the controversy surrounding this issue has brought everything to a halt in Olympia. However, since this anti-gun bill must pass in the state House by 5:00 pm tomorrow to stay "alive" for this legislative session, it could be voted on any minute. It is critical that you call AND e-mail your state representatives IMMEDIATELY and urge them to oppose HB 1588, the so-called “universal background check” bill. There can be no compromises, and no deals struck! To find your state representatives and their contact information, please click here.
HB 1588 is sponsored by state Representative Jamie Pederson (D-43) and 37 other state representatives and, as introduced, could criminalize all private sales of firearms. There have been many alternative versions circulated in recent days and the final language of HB 1588 is currently unknown.
It is almost certain that the language soon to be considered by the state House will require gun sellers to go through a licensed dealer or law enforcement agency when selling a firearm to a buyer who is not a concealed pistol license holder. These private transactions will involve fees, paperwork, potential delays, the possible creation of a state permit to purchase a firearm, the prospect of state taxation and the potential for records to be kept on private firearm sales.
This bill is nothing more than a regulatory scheme that would create a huge burden for law-abiding citizens, would be unenforceable and would be ignored by criminals anyway. It is truly nothing more than a precursor to Universal Firearm REGISTRATION.
HB 1588 has become the top priority of a new anti-gun advocacy group, the Washington Alliance for Gun Responsibility (WAGR), funded by a few misguided millionaires in Seattle seeking to erode the Second Amendment and the right to self-defense, and backed by New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg. Vice President Joe Biden is also reportedly making telephone calls to Washington state representatives in support of HB 1588!
Please contact your state representatives NOW. You may also contact your state representatives by calling the toll-free legislative hotline at 1-800-562-6000.
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