Tag Archives: 2nd Amendment

Fortunato introduces legislation to protect privacy of concealed pistol license holders

Sen. Phil Fortunato has cosponsored legislation in the first week of session to protect the privacy of concealed pistol license holders in Washington. Senate Bill 6173 would clarify state disclosure laws concerning information of concealed pistol license holders. The state Department of Licensing recently asked the less-than-gun-friendly state attorney general for guidance on whether the personal information of concealed pistol license holders is subject to the state’s public disclosure laws.

“I am very concerned that the privacy of law-abiding citizens will be infringed,” said Fortunato, R-Auburn. “I predicted before the session that anti-gun legislators who now control of all levels of state government could be problematic for gun owners in our state. The fact that a state agency is seeking this guidance when state law is clear necessitates legislative action.”

Current state law “exempts copies or records applications for concealed pistol licenses,” as noted in the Department of Licensing’s letter to the AG.

“If these anti-gun advocates are bent on invading people’s privacy, and the attorney general obliges, I think it is fitting that his personal information should be released,” said Fortunato.

Senate president’s gun ban an opening salvo against 2nd Amendment

Sen. Phil Fortunato responded strongly today to a new rule from the state’s Democrat lieutenant governor that will ban firearms from the Senate’s public gallery. In a hand-delivered letter to the lieutenant governor, whose duties include presiding over the Senate; Fortunato outlines numerous concerns with the ban, including its legality and enforceability.

“It’s no coincidence this ruling came right after the certification of the election giving the Democrats a majority in the Senate,” said Fortunato, R-Auburn. “This is just the first salvo of what I believe will be many anti-Second Amendment policies. The lieutenant governor’s actions merited an immediate response that challenges this ideologically driven, unnecessary and unconstitutional rule.”

In a letter explaining his decision to implement the ban on firearms once the Senate convenes Jan. 8 for the 2018 legislative session, the lieutenant governor cited the rule that defines the Senate president’s duties. Fortunato said a closer review of the Senate’s rules reveal no authority to restrict firearms.

“As presiding officer of the Senate, the lieutenant governor can do many things to preserve the decorum of the proceedings,” said Fortunato. “However, violating the public’s constitutional rights is not one of those. People lawfully carrying a concealed weapon is not a disruption and this action is unenforceable for numerous reasons that I’ve pointed out in my letter.”

Click here to read Fortunato’s letter.