Federal judge upholds Washington gun control law I-1639

In a Monday ruling, a federal judge upheld Washington’s Initiative 1639, a gun control law that implemented enhanced background checks, waiting periods and purchasing requirements.

>> I-1639: Washington state’s latest gun control initiative

Judge Ronald Leighton ruled in the U.S. District County for the Western District of Washington that I-1619 does not violate the Constitution, granting Attorney General Bob Ferguson’s motion for summary judgment.

The ruling is the result of a 2019 lawsuit that several plaintiffs including the NRA filed against the state over the initiative.

>> AG Ferguson, Gov. Inslee mail letters to firearm dealers regarding I-1639 opposition

“An overwhelming majority of Washington voters approved Initiative 1639,” Ferguson said. “The NRA continues to challenge voter-approved, common sense gun reforms – and they continue to lose. I will not allow the NRA to undermine the will of the voters. If they choose to appeal, we will beat them again.”

I-1639 passed in 2018 with 60 percent of the vote. It increases requirements for purchasing guns in Washington, including enhanced background checks, a waiting period and banning purchases to those under 21.

Cox Media Group