Area resident Bob Zak believes HB 1163 is not needed

Editor’s note: Opinions expressed in this letter to the editor are those of the author alone and do not reflect the editorial position of ClarkCountyToday.com

Reading Dick Rylaner’s summary of Senator Adrian Cortes’ votes on bills from our 2025 Legislative session, Sen. Cortes voted YES on HB 1163 to “enhance public safety” by those purchasing firearms. I did send an email to Senator Cortes asking him to vote NO on this as we already have protections and background checks via the sheriff’s office in the county where the purchaser resides.

HB 1163 is not needed. It also violates our state and federal Constitution for bearing firearms. Senator Cortes did NOT respond to my email. WA State Constitution – Article 1, Section 24 “The right of the individual citizen to bear arms in defense of himself, or the state, shall NOT be impaired….” Our Bill of Rights – our US Constitution – 2nd Amendment – “A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear arms SHALL NOT BE INFRINGED.”

HB1163 is an infringement and will fail in court.

When we have tremendous budget issues, to spend time on a proposal like HB1163 which is unconstitutional on its face, is a waste of time. But then again, the legislature majority party was/is Democratic and the governor is the same party. Anyone from the majority party listening?

Bob Zak
Vancouver, Hazel Dell, Lakeshore

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