Editor,

House Bill 1143 is gun legislation recently signed into law by Governor Inslee. One of the provisions of the law is for people wanting to buy a firearm will have to provide proof of an approved firearms training course within the last five years. The law exempts active military and current Washington or federal peace officers.

Imagine you saw 9/11 and decided at some point to join the military to fight terrorism in defense of your country (which includes Washington). You may even have been a Navy Seal or Army Ranger and fought in Afghanistan or Iraq. You received the best training of the free world in firearms. At the conclusion of your tour you decide to pursue other endeavors and discharge honorably from the military. On Jan 1, 2024, you go to purchase a new firearm and are told you cannot as you do not have the proper firearms training.

Imagine you have worked for several years as a Washington state patrol officer or peace officer in another state and retired to Washington state after a distinguished career in law enforcement. On Jan 1, 2024, you go to purchase a new firearm and are told you cannot as you do not have the proper firearms training.

Many of these discharged military or retired police could give the training, much less have to take the training. This law is disrespectful to both men and women who have fought for our country or had been trained in firearms their entire career as peace officers.

The irony of this training requirement is that there is no training requirement for current firearm owners.

I have reached out several times to my representative Dave Paul about this issue and have received zero response…..just crickets. This training requirement that does not exempt prior trained military vets or retired police is an embarrassment to the Democrats in this state and they appear to have no desire to discuss the matter. I guess the only discussion left now will be at the future ballot boxes or through court challenges.

Thomas Kosloske

Oak Harbor