State's law of preemption hobbles cities' attempt to address gun violence

[Glaug-Eldare]

6. Preemption makes it reasonably possible to obey the law

One of the most important aspects of state preemption is that it makes it possible for gun owners to know the law, which is the first step toward obeying it. If counties and municipalities in Washington were authorized to regulate guns, it would mean that gun owners who desire to follow the law would have to continually research every state law, PLUS 39 county codes, PLUS 207 municipal codes. Given the severity of sentences for any and all "gun crimes," regardless of nonviolence or accident, breaking preemption is a dangerous prospect.

Of course, the counterargument is: "Then don't buy a gun." That's the real purpose of breaking preemption -- banning guns by instilling uncertainty and doubt in the minds of perfectly peaceful people who desire to obey the law.