Gun control advocates have until this Wednesday, March 13, to move House Bill 1588 out of the state House of Representatives. It is imperative that you contact your state representatives NOW and urge them to oppose House Bill 1588, the so-called “universal background check” bill.
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 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!
House Bill 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!
If you have not yet contacted your state representatives in opposition to HB 1588, it is critical that you contact them NOW! It is especially important for you to make these calls and send e-mails if you live in one of the more suburban districts in