Gun rights and restrictions in lawmakers' sights

After Initiative 1491 passed with 69 percent of the popular vote in Washington last November, lawmakers in Olympia have proposed legislation to protect gun rights from further restrictions.

The initiative has not significantly changed the type of legislation introduced this session, according to Rick Halle, national coordinator for the Gun Rights Coalition, but he believes it sets a precedent for future restrictions sought by gun-control groups in Washington state.

“They might be more empowered to shoot for initiatives,” Halle said of a possible future strategy, instead of relying on legislate...