2-15-2019
OLYMPIA, Wash. — Governor Jay Inslee backed up the attorney general yesterday in saying the state will vigorously uphold a citizens’ initiative enacting tougher gun laws.
A number of sheriffs and police chiefs around the state say they won’t enforce the law because they believe it’s unconstitutional.
But Inslee echoed Attorney General Bob Ferguson, telling a news conference the law will be enforced.
“State Patrol can effectively investigate crimes — and these are crimes — if they happen, that contravene this initiative,” he says.
The law raises the legal age to buy a semi-automatic rifle to 21, requires safe storage of weapons and enhanced background checks and other rules for gun buyers.
Whatcom County Sheriff Bill Elfo says he’s troubled by parts of the law but says it’s up to the courts to decide its constitutionality.