Friends
Committee on Washington
State
Public Policy
A Quaker Organization
|
Friends
Committee on Washington
State |
WAC Advocacy ALERT
January 31, 2002
HB 2202 Closes Gun Show Loophole
ISSUE: There is a dangerous loophole which we can close. Guns bought from
licensed firearms dealers at gun shows require a background check of the purchaser. However, guns which are purchased from unlicensed dealers at the
gun shows require NO background check. And, up to half of all purchases at
gun shows are from unlicensed dealers.
HB 2202 and SB 6123 would close the gun show loophole. The two pieces of
legislation would require background checks and waiting periods on everyone who buys a gun at a gun show. It's all about keeping guns out of the hands
of criminals, the mentally ill, and children.
There is very strong support by Washington State residents for background checks at gun shows. According to
Washington Cease Fire, "in a March 2001 polls, an overwhelming 85% of Washington residents supported background
checks of all purchasers at gun shows."
National religious bodies have repeatedly strongly supported laws to reduce violence. One of the Washington State Association of Churches 2002
State Public Policy Priorities is gun violence. "We recognize that our society is experiencing increased gun violence. We support efforts to
increase effective gun control and regulation. We believe this to be a matter of spiritual concern and public responsibility."
There are 18 states which already require background checks made of ALL purchasers at gun shows. Washington State is one of the other 32 states
in the United States where there is no requirement for a check of persons buying guns from unlicensed gun sellers. We can close this loophole and we
can do it this session of the Washington State Legislature.
The Seattle Post-Intelligencer this month got it correct when in an editorial the heading said it well:
"Background checks needed at gun shows."
Please contact your state representatives and your state senator and ask for their support of HB 2202 and SB 6123. We can close the gun show loophole and
limit criminal access to firearms and we can do it now.
TAKE FIVE
ISSUE: Affordable Housing in Washington, particularly for low-income
residents, is becoming much more difficult to provide. Senate Bill 5936 and HB 2060 might be the most important bill this year for providing funding
to assist low-income housing. These bills would provide desperately needed operating funding to support low-income housing. HB 2060/SB 5936 would
collect a $10 fee on document recordings and filings, primarily from real estate. The proceeds would be used for two major purposes:
1. 60% of the funds would be kept by local communities across the state
to help fund local low-income housing projects.
2. 40% would be used by the state to help support the operations and
maintenance of housing that serves those with the lowest incomes. These people include persons with disabilities,
farm workers, homeless families, domestic violence victims, and persons with developmental disabilities.
ACTION: Contact your state representatives and state senator and ask for
their support of HB 2060 and SB 5936. Let them know that these bills will help fund badly needed local housing projects and provide operating funds
for housing to better serve very low-income families. Legislative Hotline: (800) 562-6000
Bette Schneider
WAC Communications & Development Associate
206.625.9790 fax 206.625.9791
schneider@thewac.org
wac@thewac.org