Court challenge pending

BRIDGEPORT – The sheriffs of Douglas and Okanogan counties have weighed in on the current controversy surrounding the enforcement of Initiative 1639, passed by Washington voters last November.

I-1639, related to semiautomatic assault rifles, requires enhanced background checks, waiting periods, secure gun storage and increased age limits. The minimum age to purchase a semiautomatic assault rifle was raised from 18 to 21 years of age. That portion of the law took effect on Jan. 1 this year. The remaining requirements kick in on July 1.

The measure passed with a majority of voters in Western Washington while the majority of counties in Eastern Washington opposed it. Voters in 29 of the state’s 39 counties, including 18 of the 20 in Eastern Washington voted against the law Spokane County voters narrowly approved the measure, while the margin in Whitman County in Southeastern Washington was about 10 percent. That divide, coupled with a court challenge over the legality of the measure, has many county sheriffs issuing statements as to how they will address the new law in their counties.

Douglas County Sheriff Kevin Morris issued a statement expressing his priority as “protecting our community and safeguarding the rights of all residents I was elected to represent.”

Speaking directly to I-1639, Morris said: Initiative 1639 is currently being challenged through the formal legal process. While the Courts work to determine the legality of the law, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office will continue to work as they always have.”

Morris again stressed that his office is committed to “addressing the opioid epidemic, mental health concerns, and violent crimes, all of which are serious for our strong community.”

In a prepared statement released Feb. 4, Okanogan County Sheriff Tony Hawley said he conferred with the Okanogan County Prosecutor regarding I-1639.

“This Initiative, as currently written, appears to be unenforceable due to the unclear language and lacking appropriate definitions,” wrote Hawley. “I therefore direct all Okanogan County Deputies, as well as those carrying an Okanogan County cross commission, to conduct the appropriate investigations and document their findings.”