Washington gun control initiative filed by advocates

[jpak]

http://www.king5.com/news/local/Washington-gun-control-initiative-filed-by-advocates-211050421.html

OLYMPIA, Wash. -- Advocates seeking to expand the use of background checks on gun sales submitted a Washington state ballot initiative Tuesday, taking a new approach after both federal and state lawmakers passed on similar proposals.

The plan would require background checks for online sales and private transactions, such as those that occur at gun shows. The checks would be conducted at federally licensed firearm dealers, where people already must undergo such scrutiny before purchasing a new weapon.

Supporters said the measure wouldn't stop all gun violence but would prevent people who shouldn't have guns --criminals and the mentally ill -- from easily acquiring them. They contended that the public is ready to push ahead with the idea.

"This issue is gaining traction," said Cheryl Stumbo, who was wounded during the 2006 shooting at the Jewish Federation in Seattle. "We're seeing more and more incidents, more and more deaths, and the public is paying attention.”

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[gejohnston]

1. Two things wrong

The plan would require background checks for online sales

which already are if it is an interstate sale. An intra state sale is the same as a face to face sale. Instead of going to an FFL, why not use a "purchase permit" like MI and MN, where one gets a BGC from the cops, gets a "clean bill of health" that is good for 30 days?

"We're seeing more and more incidents, more and more deaths, and the public is paying attention.”

actually fewer, just reported more. There is also the copy cat effect.

[Jenoch]

2. Is it legal to sell a gun online

within a single state? I thought all private party gun transactions had to be done in person, and the guns could not be shipped or mailed even within one state?

The Minnesota Permit to Puchase is good for one year unless something happens such as a criminal conviction or change in legal mental capacity.

[gejohnston]

4. MI is 30 days IIRC

It is, just that interstate sales are subject to the 1968 GCA, meaning it goes to an FFL. Intra state online sales are the same as newspaper ads. I think this would ban intrastate internet sales for all practical purposes, especially if the parties are over 50 miles away.

[Jenoch]

5. I guess my question still is

can someone deliver a gun by mail intrastate? I get annoyed with people complaining about internet gun sales. People think internet sales means buying by mail or FedEx, so my question remains, is that legal WITHIN a state?

[gejohnston]

6. under the Gun Control Act, yeah

your state may vary.

[Eleanors38]

3. How would transfer to a family member be treated? Gifts?

[ManiacJoe]

7. According to the article:

The initiative does provide exemptions for transactions between family members, temporary use of a borrowed gun and the purchase of antique or relic guns.

[Eleanors38]

9. Thanks, missed that. This proposal is leaning in the right direction,

from what I have so far learned. I don't know why the on-line provision is there, given the pounts laid out in this thread. I do think a FOID "card" seems more workable.

[LTG]

8. Twist with most gun shows in WA

This won't make a huge change in who acquires guns at the majority of Washington gun shows.

The biggest, and most regular/frequent, gun shows are held by the Washington Arms Collectors (about two a month with very good attendance). To purchase or sell a firearm you must be a member of WAC. You can't even touch a firearm without being a member. To become a member you must undergo a full NICS background check.

Non-members can attend, but they can only look, not touch, the guns. They can, however, purchase parts, accessories and ammo, and of course all the jerky they want.

No weapon is brought into the show except by a member, and then not without first being visually checked as being empty and zip tied open through the receiver.

They have their own security officers constantly patrolling the shows and will immediately challenge anyone carrying or holding a gun without visible membership ID. Anyone who violates the rules is immediately thrown out and banned from future shows. A few years ago they banned a longtime licensed seller for negligently selling to a non-member, even though they did conduct a NICS check.

Casual, non-licensed sellers rely on the club membership ID to let them know the purchaser is not a prohibited person. Of course, sales by licensed gun dealers all require a background check, as current law already requires.

Seems to me this is a nice balanced approach created by responsible gun owners, policing themselves within a private organization.

[AtheistCrusader]

10. If that's ALL it does.

Fine by me.

Doesn't change much with regard to the WAC shows, but useful otherwise.

[ManiacJoe]

11. The devil is in the details.

http://sos.wa.gov/_assets/elections/initiatives/611201320352PM_102.doc

I have not yet read the details....