Court hears challenge to Washington expanded background check law

By Chris Eger

The argument heard this week centered on I-594, a 2014 voter referendum that expanded background checks to cover virtually all gun transfers in Washington. (Photo: Alliance for Gun Responsibility)
A three-judge panel of the U.S. 9th Circuit heard arguments Monday over the legality of Washington’s voter-approved background check law for person-to-person gun transfers.
The suit, filed just weeks after the controversial referendum was approved by voters by a nine-point margin, was brought against state Attorney General Bob Ferguson and Washington State Patrol Chief John Batiste by groups to include the Second Amendment Foundation, the Northwest School of Safety and the Firearms Academy of Seattle. Rejected in 2015 by a lower court, the panel heard this week heard both sides of the challenge.
David Edwards, representing the gun rights groups, argued the 18-page voter initiative was poorly drafted and confusing, blocking firearms transfers at shooting ranges and in personal loans. When prompted by the panel to explain, Edwards said the Firearms Academy of Seattle, over concern of the reach of the new background check law, has since suspended loaning guns to those seeking training at their facility.
Edwards highlighted other, possibly unintended problems, that the measure has caused including that those traveling to the state

Source: Guns.com