Seattle’s lawmakers are yet again proving that the left doesn’t hold people accountable for their actions. Instead, they’re constantly looking to blame “someone else” for trouble that is caused by people who go on a rampage with their guns.
The latest issue would make Washington’s gun regulations some of the tightest in the country — and it’s all waiting to see how the vote swings on November 6th. While part of the law that is being proposed raises the legal age to purchase a semi-automatic rifle to 21, it’s the secondary part of the legislature that’s got the NRA and Second Amendment advocates up in arms.
Under the new law, individuals can face massive fines if they are deemed to have allowed a minor or “at-risk person” to access their weapons — and up to $10,000 if those individuals use the weapon to commit a crime.
So-called “Responsible” Gun Storage Law
Proponents of the bill are calling it a “responsible” gun law, aimed at reducing the amount of gun violence in Seattle and throughout the area. The highly-liberal city, which instituted a heavy gun and ammunition tax several years ago, has also tried to ban firearms in parks throughout the city. This initiative backfired, however, as NRA lawyers were able to successfully argue that the law was unconstitutional. Under the new gun storage law, first-time offenders found to leave a firearm unattended can face fines from $500 – $1,000, and 10 times that amount if the gun is used improperly.
Safe Gun Storage
Gun advocates will be among the first to share their safety tips that include keeping guns locked up and well-controlled at all times. Seattle-based Second Amendment Foundation paired up with the NRA to protest the new proposed legislation, taking the case all the way to the Superior Court. Unfortunately, Judge Barbara Linde essentially tossed out the case on a technicality, stating that the legislation had not yet taken effect. It remains unclear if the case will be allowed to re-open if the legislation is passed in Seattle.
Defining “At-risk” Individuals
Seattle’s new gun storage ordinance is not only focused on preventing the access of minors to firearms, but expands the definition to include keeping weapons away from “at-risk” individuals. These are people who are not legally allowed to own or access a firearm, including people who have indicated verbally, through their behavior or in writing that they are interested in harming themselves or others. This broad definition is what has some Seattle residents uncomfortable with the law, especially since it requires that weapons be locked away at all times — potentially making the firearms difficult to access in the event of a home invasion or other emergency.
While it’s impossible to tell whether or not the legislation will be passed, it is safe to say that the NRA watchdogs are keeping an eye on developing events as we enter what is turning out to be a critical election season.
~ Firearm Daily
