Register gun offenders, sort of like sex offenders

[Robb]

Washington State has decided to do just that:

OLYMPIA – Anyone convicted of a felony involving a gun could be required to register with state law enforcement agencies for four years under a bill signed Wednesday by Washington Gov. Jay Inslee.

(snip)

Under the firearms registry law, a person convicted of a felony involving a firearm or a person found not guilty by reason of insanity on a felony firearms charge, can be ordered by the sentencing judge to register with the sheriff in the county where he or she lives.

In some ways it is similar to the state’s sex offender registry, which has been in effect since the 1990s. Within two days of release from custody, the convicted felon must supply information about name, address, physical description and details of the conviction. The sheriff can require a photograph and fingerprints to be taken. For the next four years, the felon must re-register every year if he or she remains at the same address, or within two days of moving to a new location. Failure to register can bring a gross misdemeanor charge.

In other ways, the felony firearms registry is different from the sex offender list. Registration requirements end after four years, when the name is removed from the list, which is not available to the public. It’s available only to law enforcement officers. Supporters say it is designed to let law enforcement officers know if they’ve stopped someone previously convicted of a firearms offense and to map where those felons live.

Read More: http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2013/may/09/inslee-signs-felony-firearms-registry-bill/

[PeaceNikki]

1. Why NOT make it public like the sex offender registry??!?

I see no argument against it.

[The Magistrate]

2. Indeed, Ma'am

I would be much more concerned to know someone down the block had shot at someone recently then I would be to know someone down the block had urinated in public or, when twenty, had coitus with a sixteen year old.

[PeaceNikki]

3. agreed.

Here in Wisconsin we're lucky enough to have CCAP which I use for any and all potential relationship prospects. Believe you me, a domestic violence, restraining order (especially with violation), or violent/armed crime are all red flags that I run the hell away from.

[Robb]

6. Devil's Advocate:

Can you imagine any "firearm felon" equivalents to the alley urinator that would be swept up with equal unfairness?

I can't, myself.

[kestrel91316]

4. NRA to go ballistic over this in 3....2....1...., saying it's a waste of time

because no one obeys laws anyway.

[NickB79]

5. As a pro-RKBA DU'er

I fully support this.

[CokeMachine]

7. I can support this. nt

[Robb]

8. Kick. nt

[Decoy of Fenris]

9. Visibility K&R for the day shift.

This is a great law and represents true "Common sense" legislation on gun control. My only wonder is why it's not getting more love here on the D.U.?

[SQUEE]

10. Fully support it, but disagree with a time limit

Should be registered for life, and also disagree with a public access.
I think all violent felons, child abusers and convicted domestic abusers should be databased.

Although I also see many using this as a further attempt to stigmatize and "Gun Shame" owners.