Your phone calls and emails are urgently needed to stop a bill prohibiting the discharge of firearms in Island County from becoming law. Sponsored by Senator Mary Margaret Haugen (D-10), Senate Bill 6598 would effectively ban shooting on all county-owned land in Island County. SB 6598 is now before the State Legislature because there is not enough support in Island County to restrict shooting. Only a few residents are against shooting in Island County.
Meetings and hearings have been held in the county and discussions are still taking place to determine an appropriate local action, if any is necessary. Existing law already gives authority to cities and counties to restrict the discharge of firearms. Representing Island County, Senator Haugen is apparently frustrated by the lack of support for her anti-shooting agenda within her own district. Her asking the State Legislature to weigh in on a local issue is an attempt to make an end-run around the Island County government process. Even if you do not live in Island County, SB 6598 directly affects you because it is unnecessary, inappropriate and would create a horrible precedent! It is an abuse of the state legislative process and your county could be next! SB 6598 is currently pending a vote in the Senate Rules Committee.
It is vital that you immediately call the members of the Senate Rules Committee. Please respectfully ask them to oppose SB 6598! Be sure to contact your State Senator as well! To reach members of the State Senate please call (800) 562-6000. It is especially important if you live in Island County to communicate with your State Senator, Mary Margaret Haugen, and politely, but firmly, express your displeasure with her introduction of this legislation! For more information please visit http://www.leg.wa.gov/Senate/.