Time for a change. NWFA.......time to "batter up"

coctailer · Jan 26, 2009

I know there is a thread about WA silencer laws, but now there is an opportunity to change one.

I think this would be a good first fight to get into.
http://apps.leg.wa.gov/documents/billdocs/2009-10/Pdf/Bills/House%20Bills/1604.pdf

Can someone make a "boiler plate" form letter that we can all print off (after putting down our name) and send off to the proper people?

I'm not good at organizing stuff like this, but I hope we can organize to attack this.

ZeroRing · Jan 26, 2009

Looks like a reintroduction of Sen. Hargrove's bill from a few years ago. Hopefully this time it will make it through the legislature... though I doubt the queen will sign it.

Still... I'll definitely help do what I can!! :s0155:

mxitman · Jan 27, 2009

Sweet... I'm, so excited I just can't hide it. I'm willing to help.

I just called now and voiced my support!

Time to contact your legislators call 1-800-562-6000

It's easy and fast, please spread the word to everyone you can. :s0155:

You Can Do It!

mxitman · Jan 27, 2009

Is there anything else I can do to help?

mxitman · Jan 27, 2009

I just sent this letter to my 1st District Representative Mark Ericks, If anyone wants to use part of it, please go ahead just omit what doesn't apply to you!

Lets get it done!

Dear Mr.Ericks,

Hello my name is Rick ******* and I'm a member of Local 32 Plumbers and Pipefitters Union. We recently met this last fall when you came down to the local 32 political fair we had at our union hall. I was writing to you in support of House Bill 1604. (Changing restrictions on firearm noise suppressors.)

I like many other Washington residents who enjoy Hunting and Shooting Sports feel we have always been archaic in our state laws regarding the use of firearm suppressors. We are allowed to own them but not use them.

Even exposure to 85dBA of noise causes hearing loss over time. Though target shooters seldom are without earplugs, hunters often do not wear ear protection because they need to hear the sounds of the environment around them. Safety is always the utmost concern when handling and shooting a firearm, its very hard to communicate with other shooters and children when wearing traditional hearing protection. Allowing legal use of suppressors would be a net health benefit to shooters, hunters and the public.

Shooting ranges, even those situated out in the country, often are a source of noise pollution. Instead, we should stand behind our environmental principles and make it easier for target sports enthusiasts to be good community members by reducing noise pollution.

I'm also concerned that Law Enforcement Officers could be at risk if this doesn't pass. The "exemptions" for Law Enforcement Officers applies only to section 9.41.250(1)(a) regarding knives. The "exemption" does NOT apply to silencers addressed in 9.41.250(1)(c).

So as I understand it, if a Law Enforcement Officers is training with suppressors it would appear that they are in violation of 9.41.250(1)(c) and are "guilty of a gross misdemeanor punishable under chapter 9A.20 RCW."

I hope you can help me in supporting this bill and look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Rick *********

shooter · Jan 27, 2009

Nice job Mxitman. I like your letter, it takes a nice approach to the issue. I am currently editing it to fit, then it's in the mail. :s0155:

mxitman · Jan 27, 2009

here is another letter from another post that we could use;

HB 1604

Hello,
I would like to ask for your support of House Bill 1604 "Changing restrictions on firearm noise suppressors". The original law was poorly written and has restricted lawful owners of suppressors from being able to actually use them in the state of Washington. This is to include Law enforcement agencies (as there is no provision in the law to allow them to use suppressors).

Many law abiding citizens and law enforcement agencies would like to use suppressors in order to decrease the chance of hearing damage to themselves and those around them. Many gun ranges, to include the Tacoma Rifle and revolver club, are located in areas with residences nearby. I imagine the use of suppressors would also be appreciated by these residents as well.

Thank you for your consideration and your service.

Also a revision to mine to make in more concise and simpler to read;

Hello,

I would like to ask your support of House Bill 1604 "Changing restrictions on firearm noise suppressors."

I like many other Washington residents who enjoy Hunting and Shooting Sports feel we have always been archaic in our state laws regarding the use of firearm suppressors. We are allowed to own them but not use them.

Even exposure to 85dBA of noise causes hearing loss over time. Though target shooters seldom are without earplugs, hunters often do not wear ear protection because they need to hear the sounds of the environment around them. Safety is always the utmost concern when handling and shooting a firearm, its very hard to communicate with other shooters and children when wearing traditional hearing protection. Allowing legal use of suppressors would be a net health benefit to shooters, hunters and the public.

The exemptions for Law Enforcement Officers applies only to section 9.41.250(1)(a) regarding knives. The exemption does NOT apply to silencers addressed in 9.41.250(1)(c).

If a Law Enforcement Officer is training with suppressors they are in violation of 9.41.250(1)(c) and are guilty of a gross misdemeanor punishable under chapter 9A.20 RCW.

I hope you can help me in supporting this bill and look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

mxitman · Feb 1, 2009

bump it up

Doc In UPlace · Feb 7, 2009

I just realized this is a real bill actually in the House. I'll get letters out to my two district reps this weekend.

Nice job on the letters posted above, BTW.

ZeroRing · Feb 7, 2009

mxitman · Feb 15, 2009

Update; Keep the letters going! I have gotten a few responses back including this one!

Thank you for including me in your e-mail to Rep. Ericks.. HB 1604 is currently a house bill. It has been sent to House Judiciary Committee, however, it has not been scheduled for a hearing. If it passes through House committees and a vote on the floor it will then move to the Senate. I will keep your thoughts in mind and watch for the debate if it arrives on the Senate floor. I always appreciate hearing from my neighbors in the first district. Thank you again for your thoughts!
Rosemary McAuliffe

coctailer · Feb 15, 2009

Excellent job!!!

Please feel free to post this info on any other forum you all are members of.

mxitman · Mar 4, 2009

nothing new on my end, anyone else hear anything?

needs2hunt · Mar 5, 2009

just sent out a letter asking for support of this bill... to both of my district reps... :s0155:

and i emailed a friend and he is doing the same thing... :s0155:

mxitman · Mar 11, 2009

Bad News... Just got this update from my Rep;Mark Ericks, Looks like we need to try again.

Thank you for your email in support of House Bill 1604. This bill died in committee and will not progress further this session. It will have another chance when we reconvene next year.

Again, thank you for taking the time to share your position with me.

-Mark