Washington state lawmakers have approved a sweeping ban on semi-automatic rifles, sending the measure to Democratic Gov. Jay Inslee for his expected signature. The legislation prohibits the sale, distribution, manufacture, and importation of over 50 gun models, including AR-15s and AK-47s, with exemptions for law enforcement and military. Current owners may retain their weapons under the law.
A Growing Divide Over Gun Legislation
Washington joins nine other states, including California, New York, and Massachusetts, that have enacted similar restrictions following mass shootings. Inslee stated the state "will not accept gun violence as normal" after the bill passed. Meanwhile, a federal assault weapons ban remains under discussion in President Joe Biden's administration, though specifics remain unclear. "We're going to ban assault weapons again, come hell or high water," Biden told House Democrats in March.
The White House on Wednesday hosted three Tennessee Democratic legislators who faced expulsion for supporting gun control protests triggered by a March school shooting in Nashville. Police said the shooter, who identified as transgender and was receiving treatment for an "emotional disorder," killed six at a Christian school. Press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Biden wanted to "thank [the legislators] for speaking out" on community safety.
Legal Battles Expected
Republican lawmakers vow to challenge the Washington ban in court. "HB 1240 clearly violates our state and federal constitutions," said Republican state senator Lynda Wilson. The state legislature also passed two other gun-related bills this session: one allowing lawsuits against gun sellers for negligent practices and another requiring safety training and a 10-day waiting period for all firearm purchases.