Senate Bill 5444, sponsored by Senator David Frockt (D-46) would impose a registration-licensing system on commonly owned semi-automatic firearms and standard-capacity ammunition magazines that bill proponents label as “assault weapons” and “large-capacity magazines” (LCM). Every person who possesses, transports, manufactures, purchases or sells a so-called “assault weapon” or LCM must have an annual state-issued license, with an updated license required every time there is a change in possession of the gun or magazine. The licensing requirement has a delay period (until 2020) before it applies to persons who currently possess such items, but these persons would be prohibited from selling or transferring any gun or magazine designated by this bill to anyone other than a licensed dealer, a gunsmith, or to law enforcement for permanent relinquishment. SB 5444 also mandates that relinquished guns and magazines “must be destroyed.”
Senate Bill 5463, sponsored by Senator Guy Palumbo (D-1), is vaguely written legislation that would require individuals to lock up firearms or potentially face Class C Felony charges. This intrusive government legislation invades people’s homes and forces them to render their firearms useless in a self-defense situation by locking them up.
Senate Bill 5992, sponsored by Senator Kevin Van De Wege (D-24) mirrors federal legislation proposed by anti-gun California U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA). This bill would make it a crime to knowingly possess a firearm accessory or any other device, part or combination of parts that is designed or functions to accelerate the rate of fire of a semi-automatic firearm. The broad and overreaching provisions in SB 5992 could potentially criminalize firearm modifications such as competition triggers, muzzle brakes, and ergonomic changes that are commonly done by law-abiding gun owners to make their firearms more suitable for self-defense, competition, hunting, or even overcoming disability.
Senate Bill 6049, sponsored by Senator David Frockt , is yet another bill targeting so-called “Large Capacity Magazines” and would prohibit the possession of ammunition magazines holding ten or more rounds, with limited exceptions. Those allowed to continue possession of “Large Capacity Magazines” within the limited exceptions would be required to lock up their ammunition magazine or face criminal charges.
Senate Bill 6146, sponsored by Senator Rebecca Saldaña (D-37), would abolish Washington’s decades old state firearm preemption statute. The state preemption statute, which passed in 1983, helps keep firearm and ammunition laws consistent throughout Washington by establishing that the State Legislature has full authority to regulate and create laws pertaining to firearms and ammunition. These statutes help prevent a confusing patchwork of gun control laws which make it difficult for gun owners to ensure that they are following the law. Further, Second Amendment rights are guaranteed to all citizens, regardless of where they reside. State preemption statutes help protect against the infringement of rights of citizens who live in localities controlled by anti-gun elected officials.
News Releases - Office of Public and Intergovernmental Affairs President Donald J. Trump signs Executive Order to Improve Mental Health Resources for Veterans Transitioning from Active Duty to Civilian Life The Secretaries of Defense, Veterans Affairs and Homeland Security will develop a plan to ensure Veterans’ mental health care for the year after ... |
Signed by the president in January 2018, the executive order directs VA, the Department of Defense (DOD), and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to collaborate to provide, to the extent consistent with law, seamless access to mental health care and suicide prevention resources for Veterans, with a focus on the first year after separation from military service.
“This collaborative effort represents a critical first step for ensuring that service members transitioning from active duty to Veteran status understand that VA, DOD and DHS are committed to easing the stress of transition by providing the best mental health care possible,” said Acting VA Secretary Peter O’Rourke. “Transitioning to civilian life is difficult and, ultimately, this effort will make it easier for our Veterans.”
Research<https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/docs/2016suicidedatareport.pdf> has shown that service members in transition to Veteran status are at higher risk of mental health challenges and suicide. The president acted to ensure that new Veterans will receive access to VA mental health care and other services to the extent they are eligible.
Implementation of the Joint Action Plan by the three departments includes 16 important services. Below are three examples:
* Expanding peer community outreach and group sessions in the VA Whole Health initiative<https://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=4059> from 18 Whole Health Flagship facilities to all facilities. Whole Health<https://www.va.gov/PATIENTCENTEREDCARE/explore/about-whole-health.asp> includes wellness and establishing individual health goals.
* Extending DOD’s “Be There Peer Support Call and Outreach Center<https://www.betherepeersupport.org/>” services to provide peer support for Veterans in the year after separation from the uniformed services
* Expanding DOD’s Military One Source<http://www.militaryonesource.mil/>, which offers resources to active-duty members, to include support to separating service members up to one year after separation.
The White House will closely monitor the outcomes of the Joint Action Plan.
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Very Respectfully,
Paula A. Paige
Office of Media Relations, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs