I-594 Struggles, No Structure To Enforce

gunsnfreedom.com ^ | 1/6/2014 | Tim

[rktman]

Initiative 594 has been in place since Dec. 4, but those who have to deal with the law requiring background checks for all firearm sales and transfers still aren’t sure what to do.

No one is even certain who is enforcing the implementation of I-594, said TRAC General Manager Troy Woody, whose Pasco venue plays host to gun shows.

“From what I read, there’s more confusion than answers,” he said.

I-594, which passed statewide with 59 percent of the vote despite failing in Benton and Franklin counties, requires universal background checks, including on gun sales made online and at gun shows. It also requires checks on transfers, including many loans and gifts, with some exceptions.

[rktman]

Is this good or bad? Seems to me it could lead to arbitray and capricious "enforcement" with false or incorrect charges being levied against innocent folks. I know ignorance of the law is no excuse but when not even the "authorities" are sure of what the laws are, it looks like a goat ropin' to me. Gear up NV. It's comin' our way in '16.

[556x45]

I think youre right on the $$. Its about making examples and punishment. I also think the powers that be feel vague is good b/c they can apply it nearly any way, kill someone(s) and keep it tied up in court nearly forever. Its the democrat way....

[Oatka]

Seems to me it could lead to arbitray and capricious "enforcement" with false or incorrect charges being levied against innocent folks.

I post the following on every newspaper thread about I-594, especially in Washington:

"The Gruberized people who voted for I-594 have placed a significant part of the state's population at the mercy of the good will of those in power.

We've all seen abuses by petty officials shutting down kids' lemonade stands because they didn't have a license, or PTA-type bake sales because of some imagined health violation.

We are going to see similar examples of bureaucratic overreach, but this time on steroids as officials decide what is a "transfer" or "loan" and what is not. I give it six months to a year (if that) before some otherwise law-abiding citizen is facing ruinous legal costs fighting a misdemeanor or even a felony charge due to the same mindset. All we need is an overzealous petty official or a politically ambitious DA to get the ball rolling.

[Myrddin]

Get a court order to suspend the law until such time as all parties inside the state are prepared to comply equally and consistently. Otherwise, the statute violates the equal protection clause of the of the 14th Amendment and is unconstitutional. Take it to a federal judge. The lefties do this often against state laws and propositions. Failure to fund the necessary infrastructure makes the law unenforceable.

[scrabblehack]

Have there been 593 other initiatives? Perhaps some have not even made it to the ballot?
It makes me think of a new expressway. But I-94 ends in Billings MT.....maybe a really long spur route?

[shotgun]

Why don’t the cities and counties just pass their own ordinance to ignore the law. They are doing this to I-502 Marijuana law. Especially in the more conservative eastern Washington.

Their claim that their home county didn’t vote for the law is apparently the new legal argument of the day.

And yes I voted for 502 and against 594.

[Oatka]

Have there been 593 other initiatives?
Dunno how these liberals get past counting 21 (with their clothes off).

maybe a really long spur route?
Sound close - they ARE going around Congress.