Your husband needs to read the law. Just because he passed the academy a few years back, or 20 years back, doesn't mean he knows every law. Just because someone is a deputy, or has been one, as is my case, doesn't mean that they know the law until they can point to it in the RCW's and cite it word for word. He needs to read it, and learn it. I have been pushing for this issue for a number of years. WACOPS, Washington Chiefs of Police and Sheriff's is in support of the bill, as there is no law enforcement exemption to the
USE of these. I can supply links to the TVW testimony given in front of the house and senate judiciary commitees if he is still a non-believer. Passing this bills allows LEO's to USE them, as well as average citizens. The RCW is below. He should be very familiar with title 9 and 9(a).
http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=9.41.250
The key phrase here is "(c)
Uses any contrivance or device for suppressing the noise of any firearm."
That RCW say nothing about the possession or ownership, only use. Please show him the link below. It is DIRECTLY from the the Senate hearing report talking about the change.
http://apps.leg.wa.gov/documents/billdocs/2011-12/Pdf/Bill Reports/Senate/5112 SBA JUD 11.pdf
I mean no disrespect to your husband, but every LEO needs to update their RCW knowledge every single year. I bought a new pocket addition every year, and a new large book every year. He knows what I am talking about.
Washington is one of 38 states that allows ownership, but we are the only state that does not allow use.
USE is the defining word. We live in a freakin' nanny state.
Ownership of suppressors is HIGHLY regulated by the federal government, where you have to either get an LEO sign-off on your application, supply two sets of fingerprints on FBI fingerprint cards (or form a trust like I have), then pay $200 and wait 60-180 days to have your application approved AFTER you have bought and paid for the suppressor, receive your tax stamp, and finally get to take your purchase home. The kicker in Washington is that you then can't use your purchased item, and have to travel to either Idaho or Oregon to be able to use them.
I wish your husband well, and I will think good thoughts for him.
Take care!