Judge Agrees To Change Gun-Initiative Voters’ Guide Summary

Wed., Sept. 3, 1997

Associated Press

A Thurston County judge agreed Tuesday to amend the voters’ guide summary of Initiative 676 so that handgun owners will know their names would be put in a database and their guns could be confiscated if the measure passes.

The ruling by Superior Court Judge Richard Hicks marked a small victory for a coalition of gun-rights groups backed by the powerful National Rifle Association. Initiative backers decried the effort as a smoke screen by the NRA, but said they can live with the changes.

The initiative, billed as “The Handgun Safety Act,” would require that handguns sold or transferred in the state be equipped with trigger-locking devices and that handgun owners obtain a license after passing an exam or taking an eight-hour safety course.

The gun-rights coalition, operating under the banner Washington Citizens Against Regulatory Excess, had argued that the summary prepared by the attorney general’s office for publication in the statewide voters’ pamphlet left out key details important to many voters.

Hicks agreed to the need for four “slight changes,” saying the summary should mention:

The database, available only to law enforcement agencies, that would be created to handle the new licensing system. The ability of law enforcers to seize guns from current handgun owners who refuse to comply with the licensing requirements. Hicks said it also would be important to note that gun owners can retrieve those firearms if they comply within 60 days.

That people in life-threatening situations could no longer be granted an emergency permit to buy a handgun or carry a concealed handgun, as provided under current law.

The right to bear arms, guaranteed under the state and federal constitutions. However, Hicks said it also should be noted that firearms regulations have been upheld in the courts.

The judge promised to come up with an amended summary by Thursday for review by the coalition and the attorney general’s office.

David Brine, spokesman for the secretary of state’s office, said the judge’s decision should not affect production of the voters’ guide, which will be distributed to 3.5 million voters next month.

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