Sometimes you have to take a stand if you want to see reforms. Former Senator Holmquist recognized the efforts of Angus Lee to reform the criminal justice system and supported his efforts by voting for this reform bill. See below.
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Lee and Holmquist Newbry comment on passage of bill to reduce gun violence
Grant County Prosecutor D. Angus Lee and State Sen.Janéa Holmquist Newbry today commented on the passage of House Bill 2164 – a bipartisan measure aimed at addressing the criminal misuse of firearms by teens.
“I am pleased that we were able to get this bill passed with such large bipartisan support and I commend Senator Holmquist Newbry for her leadership and hard work in helping shepherd this bill through the Senate,” said Lee. “I can appreciate the challenges that often come with trying to advance legislation related to guns, but this is an issue we cannot afford to ignore.
“If we ever hope to solve issues of teen gun violence and teen gangs, we first must address the issue of repeat juvenile gun offenders; the passage of this bill moves us closer to finding a solution that will ultimately save lives.”
Holmquist Newbry agreed, and said that she appreciated Lee’s efforts to draw attention to the issue.
“Attorney Lee and I are both ardent supporters of the Second Amendment and we both realize how important it is to make sure that guns are kept out of the hands of those who are using them unlawfully,” said Holmquist Newbry, R-Moses Lake. “I am glad that we were able to work together to pass this measure, which not only strives to keep guns out of the hands of repeat offenders, but does it in a way that doesn’t impact the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens.”
HB 2164 requires most juveniles convicted of a gun-related crime, such as theft of a firearm or drive-by-shooting, to participate in evidence-based programs aimed at reducing repeat offenses.
“We can’t continue to give juvenile offenders a slap on the wrist for actions we know will lead to increasingly more serious crimes,” said Holmquist Newbry.
The bill now goes to the governor; the law it creates will take effect June 12.