As some of you know I have spent a lot of time lately at our state capital talking, debating, and educating with our congress. With new information/expanded detail from some of our congress men and women, I felt I had enough background of the reasoning behind Bill 1371. Updated is below the original post. Very important regarding the thoughts and opinion behind this bill. It explains a lot.
Washington Bill 1371, current status: 01/13/14 reintroduced.
Summery: Deals with firearms, accessories and ammo made in WA.
Over-rides and makes Federal Laws after 01/01/13 dealing with the above void.
Makes it a felony for Government agents to arrest a citizen of Washington for following state firearm laws not federal laws that are considered to be void in the state of Washington (of course is only for within the boundaries of Washington state). Also states punishment for Federal agents if convicted of the above. Sentence, min. 365 days, max 5 years or $10,000 fine.
In addition to the above, this bill will remove the right of the Governor to proclaim carrying a firearm prohibited during the state of emergency.
This bill really is loaded! Here is the link if you are interested:
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So for those gun manufacturers thinking of leaving the state of your current location, please, by all means, move your business to Washington state.
----- UPDATE -----
A couple of comments made in regards to the main post above were: States cannot make laws that supersede federal laws (example: interstate speed limit of 60 mph, state cannot pass a law allowing a limit of 70 mph). Keep in mind the example does not take into account areas where the interstate is combined with the intrastate highway.
Most of you know, a requirement for a lot of the last states to join the United States was to write and submit a state constitution before being ratified as a state. The state constitution is a contract with the federal government.
Here is why Washington state congress believes the above bill will PASS Supreme Court ruling as lawful.
-- "The second amendment to the United States Constitution reserves to the people the right to keep and bear arms as that right was understood at the time that Washington was admitted to statehood in 1889, and the guaranty of the right is a matter of contract between the state and people of Washington and the United States as of the time that the compact with the United States was agreed upon and adopted by Washington and the United States in 1889." --
Washington State's constitution guarantees by law the right to bear arms almost word for word as the second amendment to the United States Constitution. Hence, in a contract with the state of Washington, rules and regulations regarding the right to bear arms was agree upon by the United States government.
-- "Article I, section 24 of the Washington state Constitution clearly secures to Washington citizens, and prohibits government interference with, the right of individual Washington citizens to keep and bear arms. This constitutional protection is unchanged from the 1889 Washington state Constitution, which was approved by congress and the people of Washington, and the right exists as it was understood at the time that the compact with the United States was agreed upon and adopted by Washington and the United States in 1889." --
There is also a section in Washington state constitution that makes it illegal for any federal law enforcement agent/agency to enforce a federal law that is not allowed (by state law) to supersede said state law. Hence, the penalties listed in the bill for any LEO to try to enforce federal gun laws on Washington state residents/citizens.
Hope this clears things up and provides more understand for everyone and stops the less than positive remarks and hopes for the future of this law.
Have a great day and stay safe!
Update: Felony for LEO to Arrest - Washington State
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