I-594 is touted as a simple background check for gun purchases. And a huge amount of money is being spent to convince Washington voters that the law is good for our state. Don’t be fooled. True, it does require background checks. But it requires more than that … much more. It is 18 pages of regulations that apply not only to gun purchases, but to any kind of transfer. Have you ever loaned a gun to your neighbor so he can go hunting? That action will now require a background check. How about asking a friend to keep your firearms in his safe while you are gone on vacation — background check. Want to give your girlfriend a new pistol for Christmas? Background check. What happens to your guns when you die — background checks and registration for whoever receives them through your estate/will. Failure to follow these rules will turn lawful firearms owners into felons.

Not only is this law way more far reaching than simple background checks (which, by the way, are already performed at the state’s largest gun shows in Monroe and Puyallup), it is opposed by rank-and-file law enforcement officers and law enforcement support groups across our state. The members of the Washington Council of Police and Sheriffs, the state’s oldest and largest law enforcement organization, and the Washington State Law Enforcement Firearms Instructors Association are against I-594. They know that this initiative will not prevent violent crime, nor will it keep guns out of the hands of criminals — who don’t care about background checks and gun registration. This law will not curb gun violence and will be impossible to enforce.

I urge you to read the body of the proposed law — if you can make it through 18 pages. I think you will be astounded by what is being suggested. Please vote no on I-594.

Brian Mills

Snohomish