In brief: Bill: Restraining order requires gun surrender

OLYMPIA – A person under a restraining order for domestic violence can be ordered to surrender all firearms under a law that passed the Legislature this afternoon.

In a 49-0 vote, the Senate sent to Gov. Jay Inslee a bill that allows the subject of such a restraining order to be required to give up his or her guns after a hearing, if a judge rules that person is a credible threat.

Sen. Mike Padden, R-Spokane Valley, said the bill complies with both the Second Amendment and the stronger protections for having firearms in the state constitution. “There are times when people should not have these firearms,” he said.

With an amendment for due process procedures that include a notice, the hearing and the judge’s finding, the National Rifle Association dropped its opposition to the bill, Padden said.  HB 1840 passed the House 97-0 last month.

Jim Camden

Tribal council ousts member over ethics

A member of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation’s governing council has lost his seat over alleged misuse of his tribal credit card.

Benjamin Marchand Jr. was expelled from the tribal council Thursday following a 10-3 vote by members of the Colville Business Council. Marchand represented the Omak District.

Following an investigation and hearing prompted by an ethics complaint, the tribal government’s rules committee found that Marchand used his tribal credit card in violation of council policy on 18 counts, according to a news release.

The council will appoint a replacement for Marchand.

In February, Ernest “Sneena” Brooks III, the council’s vice chairman, resigned following his arrest on a rape charge in North Idaho.

Becky Kramer

Second arrest made in Dec. 1 house fire

A second person has been charged with first-degree arson in connection with a fire at a home in northeast Spokane on Dec. 1.

Jamie M. Burdeau, 24, is being held in the Spokane County Jail on $15,000 bond in connection with the fire in the 2500 block of North Columbus Street. According to court documents, Burdeau is suspected of helping David L. Morse, 31, pour gasoline at the home and set it on fire.

Morse was reportedly dating a woman staying in the home but had been kicked out after he assaulted her, court documents say. He set the fire when other residents refused to let him see the woman and he became angry, the documents say.

Morse was arrested Jan. 30 on charges of first-degree arson and possession of a controlled substance.

Nina Culver