2 gun initiatives on that ballot. The passage of I-594 closely follows the Oct. 24 shooting at Marysville-Pilchuck High School in Marysville, Washington, that left three students dead and three more injured.
I-591: This measure would prohibit government agencies from confiscating guns or other firearms from citizens without due process, or from requiring background checks on firearm recipients unless a uniform national standard is required.
The Effect Of The Proposed Measure If Approved
This measure would prohibit government agencies from requiring background checks on the recipient of a firearm unless a uniform national standard is required.
This measure would also state that government agencies may not confiscate firearms from citizens without due process.
Should this measure be enacted into law?
No
$1.2M donated toward this measure from "Protect Our Gun Rights"
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I-594: This measure would apply currently used criminal and public safety background checks by licensed dealers to all firearm sales and transfers, including gun show and online sales, with specific exceptions.
The Effect Of The Proposed Measure If Approved
This measure would apply the background check requirements currently used for firearm sales by licensed dealers to all firearm sales and transfers where at least one party is in Washington. Background checks would thus be required not only for sales and transfers of firearms through firearms dealers, but also at gun shows, online, and between unlicensed private individuals. Background checks would be required for any sale or transfer of a firearm, whether for money or as a gift or loan, with specific exceptions described below. Background checks would be required whether the firearm involved is a pistol or another type of firearm. Violations of these requirements would be crimes.
Certain other temporary transfers of a firearm would also not require a background check. These include temporary transfers between spouses, and temporary transfers for use at a shooting range, in a competition, or for performances. A temporary transfer to a person under age eighteen for hunting, sporting, or education would not require a background check. Other temporary transfers for lawful hunting also would not require a background check.
A person who inherited a firearm other than a pistol upon the death of its former owner would not be required to undergo a background check. A person who inherited a pistol would either have to lawfully transfer the pistol within 60 days or inform the department of licensing that he or she intended to keep the pistol.
Should this measure be enacted into law?
Yes
Nearly $12M spent by the usual Bloomberg/Giffords/Gates/Balmer groups, outspending the other initiative by 10:1.
Link to WA stuff.
Related background article.
If one is making an exodus from a New England state this may not be the azimuth of choice.
