Anti-Self-Defense Bill Introduced in the Washington House

House Bill 2067, introduced by state Representative Ross Hunter (D-48), would repeal the existing Washington law that provides for the reimbursement of legal defense costs to law-abiding citizens who are charged with a crime but found not guilty by reason of self-defense.  Here is actual language from the law that is proposed to be repealed:  “No person in the state shall be placed in legal jeopardy of any kind whatsoever for protecting by any reasonable means necessary, himself or herself, his or her family…  When a person charged with a crime…is found not guilty by reason of self-defense, the state of Washington shall reimburse the defendant for all reasonable costs…”

Self-defense is a fundamental right that can be weakened by overzealous prosecution.  Current law provides an incentive for prosecutors to give serious consideration to whether the accused has a viable claim of self-defense before the prosecution begins.  The repeal of HB 2067 would remove an important check and balance in Washington’s legal system.

HB 2067 is scheduled for a hearing in the House Ways & Means Committee this Wednesday, April 13 at 3:00 p.m.  Please contact your state Representative TODAY, by calling the toll-free legislative hotline, (800) 562-6000, and respectfully urge him or her to OPPOSE this anti-self-defense bill.  If your state Representative sits on the House Ways & Means Committee, please refer to the list below and call and e-mail their office directly.  If you need help identifying your state Representative, please click here.

House Ways & Means Committee:

Representative Ross Hunter (D-48), Chairman
(360) 786-7936
[email protected]

Representative Jeannie Darneille (D-27), Vice Chairman
(360) 786-7974
[email protected]

Representative Bob Hasegawa (D-11), Vice Chair
(360) 786-7862
[email protected]

Representative Gary Alexander (R-20)
(360) 786-7990
[email protected]

Representative Barbara Bailey (R-10)
(360) 786-7914
[email protected]

Representative Bruce Dammeier (R-25)
(360) 786-7948
[email protected]

Representative Ed Orcutt (R-18)
(360) 786-7812
[email protected]

Representative Reuven Carlyle (D-36)
(360) 786-7814
[email protected]

Representative Bruce Chandler (R-15)
(360) 786-7960
[email protected]

Representative Eileen Cody (D-34)
(360) 786-7978
[email protected]

Representative Mary Lou Dickerson (D-36)
(360) 786-7860
[email protected]

Representative Kathy Haigh (D-35)
(360) 786-7966
[email protected]

Representative Larry Haler (R-8)
(360) 786-7986
[email protected]

Representative Bill Hinkle (R-13)
(360) 786-7808
[email protected]

Representative Zack Hudgins (D-11)
(360) 786-7956
[email protected]

Representative Sam Hunt (D-22)
(360) 786-7992
[email protected]

Representative Ruth Kagi (D-32)
(360) 786-7910
[email protected]

Representative Phyllis Gutierrez Kenney (D-46)
(360) 786-7818
[email protected]

Representative Timm Ormsby (D-3)
(360) 786-7946
[email protected]

Representative Kevin Parker (R-6)
(360) 786-7922
[email protected]

Representative Eric Pettigrew (D-37)
(360) 786-7838
[email protected]

Representative Charles Ross (R-14)
(360) 786-7856
[email protected]

Representative Joe Schmick (R-9)
(360) 786-7844
[email protected]

Representative Larry Seaquist (D-26)
(360) 786-7802
[email protected]

Representative Larry Springer (D-45)
(360) 786-7822
[email protected]

Representative Pat Sullivan (D-47)
(360) 786-7858
[email protected]

Representative J.T. Wilcox (R-2)
(360) 786-7912
[email protected]