Mayor's statement on legislature's passage
of common-sense gun law
People involuntarily committed would be prohibited from possessing firearms
SEATTLE - Mayor Greg Nickels today issued this statement regarding the state legislature's passage of HB 1498, which prohibits adults and juveniles who are involuntarily committed for 14 days or more for mental health treatment from possessing a firearm:
“I have long advocated for common-sense gun laws and the state legislature's action today is an important step. This measure will help protect the public and our police officers, as well as those who pose a danger to themselves.”
This legislation is consistent with Nickels' commitment to keep guns out of the hands of children, criminals and the mentally ill. In both the Virginia Tech and Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle tragedies, the shooter had well-documented mental health issues. In Washington, there are about 4,000 people annually who are involuntarily committed for 14 days or more.
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