Does WA State ‘Need’ Office of Firearm Safety and Violence Prevention?

If it passes, say opponents, it will create just another tax dollar draining unnecessary bureaucratic obstacle for 2nd Amendment rights.

The Washington State Senate has cleared Senate Bill (SB) 6288,. which would create what's called The Office Of Firearm Safety and Violence Prevention.

According to the non-partisan synopsis of the bill (these are bill re-written in understandable human language) the office would:

"Creates the Office of Firearm Safety and Violence Prevention (office) within the Department of Commerce. Creates the Washington Firearm Violence Intervention and Prevention Grant Program administered by the Office of Firearm Safety and Violence Prevention and adds suicide prevention to the purpose of the grant program. Authorizes the office to contract for a statewide helpline and referral service for gun violence victims and their professional services providers and for a best practices guide for therapy to gun violence victims. Adds firearm safety to the duties of the office. "

In other words, say GOP legislators who opposed it, it's another hurdle, or another not so subtle attempt to prevent law abiding, legitimate citizens from owning firearms--or getting them. The bill was introduced by a number of West side-Seattle area Democrats.

The bill passed by a margin of 25 to 23, with all 21 GOP legislators voting now, along with 1 Democrat. To see more about the bill click on the button below.