Yesterday, the Senate Law and Justice Committee held a public hearing to consider an extreme “assault weapons” ban, Senate Bill 5217, and anti-preemption legislation, Senate Bill 5568. An executive session is scheduled for Thursday where these bills are expected to receive a vote. There is still time to contact committee members and strongly urge them to OPPOSE Senate Bill 5217 and Senate Bill 5568.
During yesterday’s public hearing, the Committee heard from 10,732 individuals regarding the slate of firearms related legislation. Of those who engaged with the committee, about 90% staunchly opposed the looming gun control policies – 91.9% of Washingtonians opposed the “assault weapons” ban and 87.5% opposed the anti-preemption measure. The overwhelming number of voices that asked the committee to oppose Senate Bill 5217 and 5568 can’t be overlooked. If these measures continue to progress after such a showing it is only proof that these legislators do not care about the majority of their constituents’ opinions, and only want to appease the anti-gun elite and the gun control organizations that they fund.
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.
Senate Bill 5568 deals with 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.
Again, please contact members of the Senate Committee on Law and Justice, and ask them to strongly OPPOSE Senate Bill 5217 and Senate Bill 5568.