Regarding Mr. Ronald Castleberry’s letter, “Keep guns away from kids, period”: Although there has been a sales tax exemption on gun safes for some time, some people only own one or a couple of guns and a safe is too expensive for housing so few firearms. Mark Harmsworth, Rep. 44th Legislative District, has introduced HB 2031 to include gun locks in that sales tax exemption. This legislation just might encourage gun owners to lock up their guns, if it passes. This is another effort to keep guns away from kids, and others not authorized to handle them. It may not be much, but it would cost very little and if it saves a single life it is worth the effort. I would like to suggest to all voters that they contact their representatives to support this bill. The bill doesn’t make it a crime to not lock up your guns, but would hopefully encourage law abiding gun owners to take a simple step to buy and use gun locks, to provide some safety to others.
If you own a gun I would also suggest you research gun safety classes online or through the NRA website. Everyone should be taught the first four rules of gun safety: Always treat every gun as if it were loaded (whether you have checked it or not); never point a gun at anything (anyone) you are not willing to destroy (kill); always keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction; be aware of what is behind/around your intended target.
Tom Green
Lake Stevens
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