map-of-washington-stateWashington State Representative Matthew Shea along with 21 co-sponsors, have introduced a “Firearms Freedom Act” for the state – it’s filed as House Bill 2709 (HB2709).

If passed, the bill would provide that:

a personal firearm, a firearm accessory, or ammunition that is manufactured commercially or privately in Washington and that remains within the borders of Washington is not subject to federal law or federal regulation, including registration, under the authority of congress to regulate interstate commerce.

The principle behind such legislation is nullification, which has a long history in the American tradition. When a state ‘nullifies’ a federal law, it is taking the position that the law in question is void and inoperative, or ‘non-effective,’ within the boundaries of that state; or, in other words, not a law as far as the state is concerned.

HB2709 specifically addresses this principle:

Any federal law, rule, order, or other act by the federal government violating the provisions of this act is hereby declared to be invalid in this state, is not recognized by and is specifically rejected by this state, and is considered as null and void and of no effect in this state.

Washington’s bill brings the number to 15 states that have seen a Firearms Freedom Act introduced in the past year – most recently, New Hampshire, Wyoming, Virginia and Missouri.

Already, Tennessee and Montana have passed a version of the Firearms Freedom Act into law. The Montana Shooting Sports Association (MTSSA) and the 2nd Amendment Foundation (SAF) have jointly filed a federal lawsuit to validate the principles of the law.

Sources close to the Tenth Amendment Center tell us to expect to see nearly two dozen states consider similar legislation in the coming legislative session.

CLICK HERE to track all current Firearms Freedom Act legislation

Michael Boldin

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