A Washington State anti-gun group is taking shots at lawful gun owners with both barrels, proposing seven new restrictions in the upcoming legislative session, including requiring a state permit for firearm purchasers, banning firearms in so-called “sensitive places” and levying an additional excise tax on the purchase of guns and ammunition.
According to a report at washingtonstatestandard.com, the Alliance For Gun Responsibility recently published its wish list for the upcoming legislative session. And the organization’s agenda for the 2025 legislative session reads like a gun-banner’s dream.
Proposals range from requiring a permit to purchase firearms to setting stricter standards for already highly regulated gun dealers and restricting firearms in so-called “sensitive places” to include parks and public buildings, as well as allowing municipalities to set their own carry laws. Other proposals include a so-called “safe storage” requirement by which the government would dictate how citizens handle their own private property and restrict what the group calls “bulk firearms and ammunition purchases.”
The most egregious, however, is the proposed excise tax—a scheme that started in California and has leaked over into other newly liberal-leaning states that have become largely anti-gun.
“Gun violence costs Washington state an average of $11.8 billion every year, ranging from direct medical costs and criminal justice services to a lost quality of life for victims and their families after a tragedy,” the policy agenda states. “Washington must raise revenue to support victims and service programs via an excise tax on the sale of firearms and ammunition.”
The frustrating thing is lawful citizens who purchase firearms through legal means (criminals generally steal or get theirs on the street) don’t use their firearms to commit criminal violence that costs so much money. Consequently, having them fund programs necessary because of criminals is not only unjust, but it’s illogical.
Like the recent ballot initiative passed in Colorado that puts a new 6.5% tax on guns, ammo and related accessories, this Washington proposal is nothing more than what some would call a “sin tax,” akin to that placed on items like tobacco products and alcoholic beverages. However, in this case, the only supposed “sin” being committed by Washington gun purchasers is practicing their Second Amendment-protected right to keep and bear arms.
Firearms and ammunition are already subject to an 11% federal excise tax through the Pittman-Robertson Act—of which the bulk goes to state wildlife agencies for conservation projects—along with a variety of other state and local taxes and fees. To date, California and Colorado are the only other states to have enacted a similar tax scheme.
Washington State lawmakers who might be considering such a proposal in the upcoming legislative session would do well to acknowledge the pushback in the states that have instituted such a tax. The Colorado law passed just last month, and Second Amendment organizations are already preparing litigation on the matter.
Meanwhile, in California, the Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC), National Rifle Association (NRA), Second Amendment Foundation (SAF) and California Rifle & Pistol Association (CRPA) have filed a lawsuit on behalf of two individuals in the Golden State who were forced to pay the extra tax in an effort to get that state’s law struck down by the courts.
In the lawsuit, titled Jaymes v. Maduros, plaintiffs argue that the tax unconstitutionally targets gun owners for political purposes.
“Here, California effectively seeks the power to destroy the exercise of a constitutional right by singling it out for special taxation,” the complaint reads. “If this tax is permitted, there is nothing stopping California from imposing a 50% or even 100% tax on a constitutional right it disfavors—whether it be the right to keep and bear arms, the right to free exercise of religion or any other right.”
How Washington State Wants to Disarm You in 2025.
h ttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SnfaempUWA0
Let’s boil this down to its essence:
Does taxation infringe? Yes or no.
It’s that simple.
I have an old friend in eastern Washington(high desert). I can assure all he ain’t giving up his gats! Neither are millions in ILLannoy. Guns aren’t violent. Humans are🙄
Washington is really two different states, west of the Cascades and east of the Cascades minus Pullman.
A significant percentage of the people west of the Cascades think Mt Rainer is beautiful because they are liberal, and water is good for you because Marx.
“Guns aren’t violent. Humans are.”
Precisely why humans must be prohibited from access to any object that is a weapon, was a weapon, might become a weapon. Since that proposition is beyone highly unlikely, it only makes sense that humans (an invasive virus upon the planet) should be eradicated, and the planet be returned to its rightful, original, and natural condition !
How about billing the perpetrators of the crimes or perform labor for the state at minimum wage rates for compensation?
“billing the perpetrators of the crimes”
I thought the same. People get fined for crimes all the time. Call it a tax, if you like. But they don’t really care about going after criminals. They’re after the industry and everyone connected to it.
Oh, so see, its really not about saving lives it’s about the money lost trying to save lives.
Who would have ever guessed?
It’s a good enough excuse anyway.
Liberal Economics: Charge the law abiding, as long as they are predominately conservative, for the actions of the criminal class.
Well, you gotta charge SOMEONE, and sure as shootin’ the criminal class ain’t gonna be payin’ up. Therefore, since gun owners CONTRIBUTE to the problem by owning the guns that the criminals steal, they should pay their “fair share” of the problems they cause. Amiright?
“Therefore, since gun owners CONTRIBUTE to the problem by owning the guns that the criminals steal, they should pay their “fair share” of the problems they cause. Amiright?”
What, is that a trick question?
There 281 incorporated cities and towns, and 39 counties in Washington. It would be a nightmare if all 320 jurisdictions each had their own firearm laws. Taking away uniform firearm laws makes as little sense as taking away uniform traffic laws.
State preemption needs to stay put.
Washington:
“Hello neighbor.”
Canada:
“We don’t want your evil guns.”
Washington:
“Sorry about that, we will get right on it.”
Regarding the Second Amendment…
There is/are no victory(s), only continued not losing. When courts are expressing agendas, and defying the Supreme Court, legislation alone will not settle accounts for long. The problem with always being on defense is that the defender has to “win” everywhere, at all times. And when again when the defense is defeated.
2A defenders don’t have enough committed billionaires to post up a decisive societal change.
While Gun Control zealots never, ever stop drumming up hate for firearms the drums for Defining Gun Control by its History for a Gun Control History illiterate America are dead silent…Gun talking blowbags turning the tables on Gun Control? They’d rather remain stuck on stupid.
The commie coalition of states (California, Colorado, Oregon, and Washington) are looking for any new revenue stream they can sell for renter and non-property owner votes.
Like the climate change taxes all of it will be used for other things than the implied purpose.
When guns are outlawed, only the Military and police will have guns. What Free countries has that worked in. Key word to the question……Free
If they are ever dumb enough to put me in charge, my first act will be to impose every gun control restriction they impose on us upon the police and state National Guard units. 10 round max magazines for the people? 10 round max magazines for the WSP, county sheriff’s and city police. Can’t by a new AR15? LEOs make do with the ones you already have, oh, and no replacement parts allowed.
Let’s boil this down to its essence:
Does taxation infringe? Yes or no.
It’s that simple.
Give them something else to worry about…
1. Pour 20 gallons of gasoline down a city sewer (hey the libtards congregate in cities).
2. Wait 30 minutes for the fumes to spread.
3. Follow with an ignited road flare…
4. Watch out for flying manhole covers.
Thank God only sane conservatives read these comments or you might be giving the crazies some crazy ideas……Thank God!
Its not about reducing gun violence, or increasing safety. Its about control.
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