Gun Advocates Pressure Locke To Sign Measure

Wed., March 18, 1998

Associated Press

Gun-rights champions envision the day when a state permit to carry a concealed pistol will give folks the right to pack their pieces from coast to coast unmolested by the law.

That’s why they’re leaning on Gov. Gary Locke to sign a measure that would make Washington among more than a dozen states that recognize concealed-weapons permits from other states. They hope more states will jump on the bandwagon, eventually making it legal to travel anywhere in the country with a concealed pistol.

Foes are leaning just as hard on the Democratic governor to veto the bill, HB1408. Among other things, they assert that seven of the 34 states that allow concealed weapons permits issue them without checking to see if the person is a felon or has a history of mental illness.

Supporters contend that foes are distorting facts and using “scare tactics” to kill the measure, which is backed by the National Rifle Association and the Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms.

The bill’s fate is uncertain. Locke “has not yet reviewed the bill,” a press aide, Helen Chung, said Tuesday. It passed the Republican-led Legislature last week.

The bill’s sponsor, Rep. Tom Mielke, R-Battle Ground, says the proposal is as reasonable as laws under which states recognize the validity of driver’s licenses from other states.

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