Spokane: Council Votes in Favor of Gun Violence Prevention
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~ Spokane City Council Passes Ordinance for Gun Violence Prevention

During Monday's Legislative Session, the Spokane City Council voted 5-2 in favor of Ordinance C36534, aimed at preventing gun violence and creating a safer community. The ordinance, which was proposed by Council Member Paul Dillon and supported by Council Member Kitty Klitzke, supplements existing state laws and allows the city to regulate certain aspects of firearms.

Lisa Gardner, the City Council Communications Director, stated that while state law limits the ability of cities to enact local ordinances on firearms, there is some flexibility in regulating where firearms can be discharged, what buildings armed individuals can enter, and how seized firearms are disposed of. The newly enacted chapter in the Spokane Municipal Code includes sections on scope and purpose, discharge of firearms prohibition, possession of firearms, disposition of firearms, and exemptions to prohibitions on discharge.

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Council Member Dillon emphasized the urgency of addressing gun violence as a national public health and safety crisis. He cited statistics that show someone is killed by a gun every 10 hours in Washington State and that gun violence is the leading cause of death for children and teens. "We have seen the impact of shootings in Spokane," Dillon said. "This is a critical step to address this concern. This issue is personal, and I am proud of the Council's action tonight."

Council Member Klitzke also expressed her passion for the ordinance, stating that safety should be a top priority for all citizens. She highlighted the fact that active-shooter drills are now a regular part of school curriculum for young students. "Our aim is not to take away the right to bear arms," Klitzke clarified. "But rather to prevent public intimidation and potential active shooting incidents. If firearms were not involved, we could all feel much safer." She also noted that only federal, state or local law enforcement officers or personnel should be exempt from carrying a firearm or other weapon due to their occupation.

The passing of this ordinance comes at a time when gun violence is a pressing issue in the United States. The Spokane City Council's decision to take action and supplement existing state laws with stricter regulations on firearms is a step towards creating a safer community for all citizens.

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