2-6-2019
BELLINGHAM, Wash. — A number of sheriffs and police chiefs in Washington have announced they won’t enforce the gun initiative that passed last November because they believe it’s unconstitutional.
But Whatcom County Sheriff Bill Elfo says that’s not his call to make.
“In our system of government, it’s very, very clear that courts interpret the law and determine constitutionality of the law,” he says.
He does have concerns about one part of the law, which requires owners to keep the firearm in a locked container.
“In a case of people needing firearms for self defense, it makes that almost impractical,” he says.
Criminal provisions of I-1639 don’t take effect until July 1 and Elfo says he’s hoping for a ruling by the courts or action by the legislature before then.