Washington lawmakers continue their offensive against gun ownership. The proposal of legislation to essentially ban self-defense was not enough. Even a tax on ammunition to make it more difficult for people to defend their lives wasn’t enough.
They are now targeting gun shops with legislation that will make it harder for them to stay in business. Progressives who support the proposal will argue that new restrictions imposed on gun dealers are meant to make the public safer. Even Mr. Magoo would be able to see that this proposal is just another form of gun control.
Washington State House bill 2118 is a comprehensive legislation, recently proposed by Democrats on the far left, that would place more regulatory requirements for licensed firearms dealers. The bill is focused on several key areas, including licensing requirements, security measures, and record-keeping. It also includes additional operating mandates.
Gun stores that pass this bill will have to install increased security measures. All exterior doors and window frames will need to be fitted with bars, grates, or commercial-grade metal doors. Dealers of firearms will be required to install alarm systems that allow remote monitoring, real-time video surveillance, and remote monitoring.
During business hours, gun stores must also secure all their firearms inside locked containers or cases. They will also have to secure them outside of business hours in a fireproof, locked safe or vault.
This legislation also requires employees who are involved in the sales of firearms to undergo fingerprinting and background checks. The employees will be required to receive regular training and certification.
Gun sellers must also keep detailed records of their purchases and sales and submit them annually to the attorney general. In addition, they will be required to maintain insurance coverage of $1 million “per incident” and pay specific fees for different categories.
This is just a small list of requirements that gun sellers must comply with if this absurd law passes.
These requirements would put an unnecessary and undue financial burden on Washington’s gun shops. At least some gun stores could be forced out of business. Some might be forced to raise the prices of their products to survive, making it more difficult for citizens to own and bear arms. This is the whole point of the proposed law.
This law will not keep anyone safe. Most, if not all, gun shops in the state have some form of security system. They know they are selling dangerous weapons and that their negligence could lead to violent crimes.
Washington legislators are trying to limit gun ownership in the name of public safety. They are making it harder for people to get the weapons they need to defend themselves in case they’re attacked by criminals who don’t care about progressive gun laws. This law will ultimately put more people at risk.
