Bill Taking Guns From Domestic Abusers Advances In Washington State
by Liam O'Connor
A
bill confiscating firearms from individuals under protection and
restraining orders in Washington state is set to become law, having been
approved by the state Senate.
Introduced
following the Sandyhook Elementary School massacre in Connecticut in
December 2012, HB 1840 was approved unanimously by the Washington state
senate. It now heads to the desk of Governor Jay Inslee, who is known to
be an enthusiastic supporter of the proposal.
Despite
being approved without a dissenting vote, the bill has followed a
difficult path to becoming law. Although the Democratic-controlled state
legislature approved the measure, it was rejected by the
Republican-controlled state senate. Opposition from the GOP was overcome
when the bill's sponsor offered to improve judicial oversight of the
scheme by mandating that all confiscations include an additional finding
that the suspect involved constitutes "a credible threat".
This was enough to assuage GOP's fears. According to the Seattle Times:
"On
Thursday, Law & Justice Committee chairman Mike Padden, a
conservative Republican, said even the National Rifle Association was
not opposing the bill, which was “designed to conform with the firearm
protections in the constitution of the state of Washington.”"
Supporters
of the bill, including victims of domestic violence, were jubilant
following the vote. 27 year old Courtney Weaver, who was attacked by a
partner four years ago, said that the vote made her feel safer, calling
it "a great day".
h/t: Politics Northwest
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