Washington state’s Democrat-led House advanced a new gun bill that, if enacted, would be the strictest assault weapons ban in the U.S.
H.B. 1240 passed the House in a 55-42 vote in early March and could crack down on over 60 models of semi-automatic firearms if it moves into law.
So, keep reading as we break down what the bill attempts to ban and what Washington gun owners can expect moving forward.
Editor’s Note: Article was updated on 3.20.23 at 9:28 AM CDT.
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What Guns Are Banned Under the Washington Assault Weapons Ban?
Under the proposal, firearms deemed “assault weapons” would not be available for sale in the state, nor would they be allowed to be manufactured or imported there.
AKs & ARs
The bill bans general firearm families like the AK and AR, including popular models such as the AK-47, AK-74, AR-15, M4, and M16, but it doesn’t stop there.
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Going further, the bill names nearly 60 other specific makes and models that would be outlawed. Models like the FN SCAR, FN PS90, H&K MP5, Barrett .50 cal, Galil, Steyr AUG, and Springfield Armory M1A are just a handful the state would ban.
The measure further states that any semi-automatic firearm with a detachable magazine wearing specific accessories like a telescoping stock, threaded barrel, muzzle brake, or pistol grip are also no-gos.
Semi-automatic rifles under 30 inches in length would also be barred from sale.
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Pistols, Shotguns, & Accessories
Semi-automatic pistols and shotguns are not outside the scope of the measure, which bans pistols using a detachable magazine and sporting one of the following accessories: threaded barrel, second hand grip, or shroud.
Semi-auto shotguns with folding, telescoping, or thumbhole stocks; grips that protrude “conspicuously beneath the action;” fixed magazine with more than seven rounds; revolving cylinder; or pistol grip are also prohibited.
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H.B. 1240 moves past just firearms and into accessories squashing the use of conversion kits and “large capacity magazines” with a capacity of over 10 rounds.
Why Was the Bill Introduced?
According to legislators, H.B. 1240 is a direct response to what they call a public health threat.
Pointing to the use of so-called “assault weapons” in recent mass shootings, authors of the bill said removing firearms that allow assailants to fire a high volume of rounds quickly is necessary to protect its citizens.
“An analysis of mass shootings that result in four or more deaths found that 85 percent of those fatalities were caused by an assault weapon,” the measure says.
It added, “The legislature finds and declares that gun violence is a threat to the public health and safety of Washingtonians. Assault weapons are civilian versions of weapons created for the military and are designed to kill humans quickly and efficiently.”
But pro-gun groups say it’s not the weapon that’s the issue. In a statement, Second Amendment advocate group Gun Owners of America said the bill wrongly sets its sights on firearms.
“HB 1240 is one of their biggest attacks on your Second Amendment rights,” GOA said. “Radical anti-gun Leftist Rep. Strom Peterson’s bill attempts to disarm the law-abiding citizens of Washington, while criminals run amok committing their violent acts with little to no consequences.”
What Does the Washington AWB Ban Mean for Gun Owners?
With a Democratic majority in the state’s Senate, it’s unlikely the bill will be struck down and Gov. Jay Inslee has already said he will back the measure if passed.
“This is a very important vote. It is something that I’ve believed in since 1994 when I voted to make this federal law,” Inslee told the Seattle Times.
He added that the bill “broke the NRA’s lock on Washington” and “the vast majority of Washingtonians support this commonsense measure.”
The bill’s current language bans the sale, manufacture, or import of restricted firearms and accessories. But it doesn’t rule out possession of these items — meaning that current owners would keep their existing firearms.
Law enforcement personnel and military members also gain some leniency with exemptions.
But all is not lost for gun owners. Politicians and gun rights groups say this new measure is unconstitutional, especially in light of the Supreme Court’s 2022 decision in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association Inc. v. Bruen.
They argue that the right to self-defense and the tools needed to defend oneself are guaranteed under Bruen.
“It is almost certain that the first federal court that reviews this controversial policy will overturn it,” Rep. Jim Walsh (R-Aberdeen) told The Spokesman Review.
“This makes this whole exercise a questionable one, and in my opinion, a waste of Washington tax payers money while we go through a fruitless process.”
But legislators argue that semi-auto firearms are not intended for self-defense and, therefore, fall outside the purview of Bruen.
“The legislature finds that assault weapons are not commonly used in self-defense and that any proliferation is not the result of the assault weapon being well-suited for self-defense, hunting, or sporting purposes,” H.B. 1240 states.
“Rather, increased sales are the result of the gun industry’s concerted efforts to sell more guns to a civilian market. The legislature finds that the gun industry has specifically marketed these weapons as ‘tactical,’ ‘hyper masculine,’ and ‘military style’ in manner that overtly appeals to troubled young men intent on becoming the next mass shooter.”
The bill currently sits in the state Senate awaiting committee review.
10-Day Waiting Period & Mandatory Firearms Training
Though H.B. 1240 received the most attention for its crackdown on firearms, Washington state legislators also passed other measures aimed at guns.
House Democrats moved a bill last week that would require a 10-day waiting period when purchasing any firearm in the state.
Currently, Washington state has a 10-day waiting period, but it only applies to semi-automatic rifles. This new measure would encapsulate all firearm purchases requiring FFLs to hold the gun until the 10-day time period elapsed before completing the final transfer.
Additionally, prospective gun buyers would be forced to complete a firearms safety training course (or have completed one within the past five years) in order to buy a gun in the state.
H.B. 1143 was sponsored by Rep. Liz Berry (D – District 36) at the request of the Governor’s office and passed with a 52-44 vote.
“This bill will save lives,” Berry told Fox13. “It’s simple: 10-day waiting periods reduce gun violence. Research shows that delaying a person in crisis from obtaining a firearm can be the difference between life and death. And over half of suicides in the U.S. are done by firearms. That’s why this cooling-off period is so important.”
The previous week, House lawmakers approved another bill allowing the Washington Attorney General to hold gun makers and sellers liable for guns used in mass shootings.
The Lawful Protection of Commerce in Arms Act currently protects gun makers on a federal level from being prosecuted for crimes in which their firearms are used.
The Gun Industry Reacts
After news of the potential AWB ban, companies like Stag Arms have rallied behind Washington state gun owners.
In a press release from the gun maker, Stag says it’s committed to helping law-abiding gun owners by helping move online orders from WA residents to the front of the line with expedited processing and shipping, as well as taking action on the ground in the state itself.
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“Stag Arms is taking action by sending team members to the front lines in Washington state to support law-abiding, gun owners,” the company said in a statement.
“Stag is setting up a forward operation base to deliver extra support to local gun store owners and dealers across the state. The team is also helping process thousands of orders and expediting shipping while the clock ticks down to the bill being signed into law.”
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Final Thoughts
TL; DR: The Washington Assault Weapons Ban, if passed, will ban the sale of over 60 models of AK and AR-style firearms, some semi-auto pistols and shotguns, and magazines over 10 rounds.
Though extensive in its scope and the strictest gun measure introduced in the States, it will likely face legal pressure if passed as pro-gun groups and politicians intend to fight the measure in federal court.
As always, Pew Pew Tactical will stay on top of this bill and update you on any changes. So, keep checking back.
What do you think of this new set of bills? Sound off in the comments below. Need to stock up on your favorite rifles before a ban? Check out:
62 Leave a Reply
As a democrat i can not fathom how out of control & drunk with power democrats here in Washington are consumed with in Olympia. And its not like they will listen to me, they’re drunk! However, with that said don’t underestimate what some of them have planned. They have created a gun bill like no other which i assure you will be struct down by the Supreme Court of this great nation. It will in retrospect reassure Americans the 2nd Amendment is strong & once & for good finally direct these socialists posing as Democrats a clear & appropriate way to make a bill that is legal under the US CONSTITUTION rather than under the WASHINGTON Constitution. I can’t be any more clear as to how important this bill is
for all Americans to give states a clear legal line on which to go by but it will take a Federal Supreme Court ruling to set that legal line & as mist gun supporters are Republicans, keep in mind our current Supreme Court is mostly Conservative. I assure you, this bill is indeed frightening and has gone way to far. But in the end i simply can not see a final victory. But until then it will take a court order to keep Governor Inslee outside of our living rooms & moving state police into gun shops to confiscate weapons on a level this nation & i still can not fathom.
Well said.
Well, you voted for them, right? Buyers remorse? May be a little late for that, comrade.
The only public health threat I’m worried about is a liberal government.
100%. They are completely delusional and only interested in protecting the rights of criminals. We're seeing the effects of an illegitimate communist government unfold before our eyes. We went from peace and prosperity to poverty and despair in two years. If allowed to continue we will not have a country soon nor will we have the ability to defend ourselves.
I'm worried about both parties overreach into freedoms.
I'm worried about both parties overreach into personal liberties. Talking to you, "conservatives"...
People who say “both sides” are democrats. You are s democrat. Its your way of shifting focus onto and placating those who wish believe they are “agreeable & reasonable.” There are no “both sides” when it comes to marxist oppression. There is the freedom side, and then there is the democrat side that elected the current oppressive marxist regimes. Talking to you, comrade.
Fing idiot
I feel for the people in Washington, and hate to think what this will mean to companies like Aero Precision. But come on Pew Pew! Essentially the same thing is now law in Illinois... Two banner articles in the past two weeks on Washington, and barely a mention of the stupidity in Illinois. This is happening all over the country, why not focus on more issues like this, and less on recycling things like 10/22 upgrades?
Hey there! Thanks for the feedback. I wanted to pop in and mention that we have written on Illinois! We have a few Weekly Wrap news articles on things going on in Illinois. While we do try to cover some news in banner articles and a lot of it in Weekly Wrap every Saturday, our site is not a news-oriented blog, so there's less of that here. Our focus has always been on bringing suggestions and reviews to our readership through reviews and Best Of style content. That said, we do have more journalistic-style articles in the works, so keep checking back!
Wow, I thought in Russia we have idiotic gun related bills but that one is a complete madness. Considering the fact how important gun ownership in the USA I guess your society is able to prevent that bill to be passed.
So how are they planning to replace the tax revenue generated by the firearms industry? Are they going to tax the air? Public health threat? The public health threat are gangs that run amok , and the drug trade. You're unable to regulate or control the criminal element, so we'll jump on the law abiding citizen so you can brag about your achievement.
Yup. They are taxing capital gain on securities investments now. Despite the fact Washington state does not have a state constitution approved income tax.
Having lived in WA my whole life, I know this will pass and become another "Photo Op" and cheer rally for the feckless governor and our swishy AG. Backed by millions from Bloomberg, etc.. My fear is not for what I already own, but for local industry, specifically companies like Aero Precision in Tacoma, WA. Locally owned, they are feeding local need as fast as they can and prioritizing WA orders before this passes. I'm hoping that it gets overturned in the court process soon, but it's not simple to "restart" a large manufacturer like that. If you're considering an AR platform, give them a look, It's top shelf machining.. No affiliation, just a huge fan.
A 'Public health-threat'. You gotta love that! Straight from the pages of COVID legislation. Lol.
"When guns are outlawed, only the outlaws..."
They are focusing on firearms that are exactly the types of weapons the 2A is designed to protect. Crime has nothing to do with it. They are concerned the types of weapons that threaten their power. This should concern everyone in WA being they wouldn't be afraid of armed citizens unless they are planning on doing things that would warrant resistance.
Well, looks like they copied Maryland's restrictive laws with some extra icing on top.
Washington is filled with a bunch of libetard race baiting communists..
They are respectfully called “socialists posing as Democrats” not Libtards as they are as far from Liberal and as far from mental retardation as you can get. Never under estimate these peoples motives who don’t even represent the majority of Democrats but literally control the Democratic party as much as the Fascist’s posing as Republicans control the Republican Party since 1980 when Ronald Reagan secretly negotiated for better deals if the Iranians waited until after hus inauguration to release American Hostages in Iran, prolonging their nightmare an additional 6 months. The day he was sworn in a train carrying a billion dollars in pure gold bricks from Fort Knox crossed over into Iran & the hostages were released. Never underestimate the evil that lurks in BOTH POLITICAL PARTIES.
"The legislature finds that assault weapons are not commonly used in self-defense..."
That's funny. Unexpected guests at my place, as well as in most of Florida, will find out that is not a true statement.
As a veteran of the u.s. army and a lifetime supporter of the amendments especially the 1st and 2nd. This kind of sentiment needs to be stopped, anyone that wants to take away your rights by using health concerns as a reason. Should not be trusted and I have been in Healthcare for 30 years. We should start a petition and a March.
As a lifetime WA resident (65 yrs) I can tell you this bill is nothing but complete travesty, enabled by the Liberals who were voted in by FRAUD. This bill does NOTHING to protect the citizens of WA. It will put THOUSANDS of people out of work and shut down major Businesses (Aero Precision being just one) not to mention all the gun shops scattered thru out the state.
Jay DIMSlee is the WORST Gov. in U.S. history, and is a complete BUFFOON !! Even Sleepy Biden knew what an idiot he is, as he was booted from being in his cabinet.
Well I'm here to tell ALL..... I WILL NOT COMPLY !! You alphabet boys want me ?? You better coming Hot. Cuz it's gunna get messy....
Kurtis, calm down. I assure you this bill has everything anybody could imagine in a bill to make it almost immediately struck down by an appellate court & if not then a 6-3 conservative Supreme Court will set a
“Maximum Standard” by striking down this nonsense & telling states what they can & can’t do to our 2nd Amendment because no doubt this bill has it all as far as anything Democrats have ever dreamed of as far as gun reform goes.
Have faith in our Supreme Court. In the end i assure you will thank Olympia for creating this bill by how the Supreme Court cuts the crap out of it letting ALL STATES KNOW whats legal & what is not & there is nothing that will stop our Supreme Court which i remind you is Conservative &
more likely to negotiate a fair decision than anything Congress is capable of doing considering Congress hasn’t been able to do anything for the past 43 years except spend.
Waiting period to buy and mandatory courses are a good idea. I have been in more than one LGS with people without a clue throwing money down to get whatever handgun a salesperson has in stock. Not good.
Taxes and licenses on fundamental rights are always a good idea and will never be abused by a state that has shown outright disdain for the individual's right to self-defense or self-determination.
LGS......clarification please
This bill will not reduce gun violence in Washington state. ARs have accounted for 18 deaths in this state over the past 27 years of data collection:
The site won't post URLs, look here with the standard ht...... en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Mass_shootings_in_Washington_(state)
What this bill will do, if passed, is initiate the first step in disarming the people of Washington. Very few gangbangers, drug dealers, or thieves use ARs. Pistols are cheaper, easier to conceal, easier to handle, and just as deadly in close range. SB 5265 is an attempt to play on peoples' fear of a nasty looking gun that can kill at 200 yards plus. We should not be afraid of losing our right to home defense; more like losing our right to homeland defense. Wake up America! There is a clear reason why no other country has ever attempted to invade the US. China and Russia know our citizens are able to repel an invasion. The movie "Red Dawn" conveys the theme very well. Switzerland maintains an armed citizenship -- mandatory for ex-military. Don't let the state of Washington usurp your 2nd amendment right.
According to everytownresearch.org (anti-gun website), there were no mass shootings in WA involving an "assault weapon" between 2009-2019 (the only years they have data). So how many lives is this ban expected to save if the trend continues? About zero.
Note that according to the site, there were two mass shootings in WA during that time which involved "assault weapon or high-capacity magazine." They classify high-capacity as greater than 10 rounds. I looked up both of those events, and one was with a Ruger 10/22, the other with a Glock 17. Therefore, no "assault weapons." If anyone finds different data let me know. I emailed this info to my state senator and she said she's still planning to vote for the ban.
“The legislature finds that assault weapons are not commonly used in self-defense and that any proliferation is not the result of the assault weapon being well-suited for self-defense, hunting, or sporting purposes,”
Man. They got that wrong. 'Common use' according to SCOTUS means 'possessed" or "owned' not that they need to be actually in use for a specific purpose.
All gun companies should refuse to enter law enforcement contracts/service on any agency in Washington... and all other like minded states....What is good for the goose should be for all the geese...Give the Ruling classes' security details revolvers and double barrel shotguns...
I absolutely agree!!! Unfortunately, the reality is, all these fake pro 2a manufacturers care about is juicy govt contracts. They don't give 2 shits about our rights, and... if guns were banned altogether, you can be damned certain, those same pro 2a manufacturers will provide bullets and ammo to the tyrants to kill CITIZENS.
We need to leave Western Wa and join Northern Idaho along with Eastern Oregon to start our own state
How come they pass these bills and then we have to overturn them?? Should it not be the other way around??
Dear Rural Washington Counties- secede. It's your constitutionally-protected right. Let the city dwellers grow their own food, raise their own taxes, and staff their own national guard. Then... sit back and watch their collapse with a cigar in your mouth and a glass whiskey in your hand.
You can say it's a "constitutional right" all you like but that isn't going to stop the state legislator from stopping them from leaving.
Imagine if every malcontent in America decided that instead of moving somewhere they wanted to live, they would demand that state lines be re-drawn to suit their own personal beliefs. It's completely asinine. If you don't like the politics of the state where you live, move somewhere else. This nut jobs in eastern Oregon and not people we should aspire to emulate.
Ya. Washington should have "just moved to somewhere he wanted to live." Would have been easy to "pack up the farm" and let King George complete his "special military operation" in the colonies, eh? You're a f---in' genius. lol
All of u have missed the point. We have ( Am People) for some reason accepted an illegal president ( JB) and election in 2020. How much more can we take when in 2020/2022 illegal elections in blue states have perpetuated the destruction of the Republic? The country needs a Spiritual Revolution and unless we allow JC and not JB to guide us all is lost in our country. Repent before it is too late and put these traitors in chains and jail and come back to JC.
These are not the strictest ban in the US have you looked at CT bans except I think there are 120 guns named on the list. This ban has never been overturned by a court at any level because they refuse to hear it locally first so it can be appealed.
They want their citizens controlled like inmates in a prison: With criminal trustees/shot-callers keeping us in line, and making their [the politicians'/"wardens'"] jobs easier.
What about parts? Barrels, handguards, lower parts kits, triggers??? Is everything off the table?
Yes, all parts are also included in the ban.
Illinois has recently banned 'assault weapons' and 'high capacity' magazines and the law is making its way through the court system. The law includes some strange carveouts and a requirement that existing weapons be registered, their legal use severely restricted, and later sale or transfer very difficult. There has been little mention of this law, or the others making their way through the legislative process.
The idea that the same people who have touted a drop in crime using statistics that only dropped due to them effectively legalizing the use of all drugs. By refusing to charge drug addicts including the notorious list of serial criminals are the cause of their crime stats. These same people are now trying to disarm legally armed citizens and making it impossible for future citizens to own guns. Grandfather clause is one shooting away from being revoked.
These people demanded and celebrated when the city of Seattle hired Carmen Best(Black Female) as the chief of police, which was an identity hire, but at least she was qualified for the job. Then they turned on her simply for doing her job. They defunded the police including a 40% pay cut of her salary. In the end they forced her out and she resigned. This state has always been blue but the scamdemic forced Californians to migrate even more to this state and with that migration comes their toxic voting habits. It’s time to leave and once my wife gets it we are out of here.
A similar bill and other restrictions have been introduced in the Colorado Legislature as well. Democrats have effectively ruled the State for years now. Small town and Rural Coloradoans have virtually no voice in the Legislature.
I do believe various States' Legislature are directly challenging the Bruen Decision, as if they want to see how far SCOTUS will go to protect the decision. Even without Bruen, the bills are blatantly Unconstitutional.
The DemoCommiecrats want to Disarm the Citizens of this Nation, because history shows Unarmed Citizens meekly board the cattle cars for their last ride to the Camps.
Personally, I don't trust the Judicial System to protect the 2nd. Even when it does protect, attempt after attemot to circumvent the 2nd will continue. Retire bleeding us dry, with their "long train of abuses and ursurpations pursuing invariably the same Object," and it "elicits a design to reduce us under absolute Despotism."
I think it's time we seriously consider "throwing off such Government (by force), and establish New Guards for our future security."
SIC SEMPER TYRANUS
More people need to read this and really understand the consequences of of state power and corruption.
I very much agree. Most of the current Democrat Legislature in Corado is a direct result of transplants from California. Especially the Academics at the Colleges and Universities. Most have came from very Left Wing schools, and it infects the graduates of the last 10 to 20 years.
Well maybe it is time for the eastern area of Washington state to want to be annexed by Idaho, like eastern Oregon has suggested.
I'm in West WA.. Would love nothing more.. Reeks of 1938..
What would happen to Aero Precision? They are a huge manufacturer of AR build and parts and they are based in Tacoma, WA
"Washington state’s Democratically led House..."
Incorrect. "Democrat led", not "Democratically led". They are doing comment periods during the day when most people who are against this are at work, and passing these onerous anti-Constitutional "laws" all after 8pm, when again the same people who are against this are at home having dinner and putting their families to bed.
The useful idiots without jobs, living on the public dole, are the ones available during these times.
Technically it is "democratically" since it was put up for a vote and the majority said Yes, let alone the majority of the people being in cities there (cities usually vote Blue).
I really do feel like the people in the rural communities should find a way to avoid enforcing these laws in case they go into effect, provided they can't just break off on their own.
Incorrect, the phrase refers to the political party in the majority. Not how the vote was done.
Incorrect. "Commie led", not "Democrat led". Fixed.
Correct. I believe we need to call a spade a spade. The Democrat Party has embraced, adopted and incorporated enough Communist Ideology that they are no longer the party of Jefferson and Jackson. They are now Commiecrats, and that's what they need called.
Agreed 100%. A KGB agent who fled to the USA gave a long interview about how he was part of operations that destroyed countries to turn them communist. The whole interview seems like the Democrat (not Democratic) Party watched that and is copying it.
Lucky me I live in WA and haven't been able to tell or find out what the phrase "conversion kits" and "accessories" means in this context. Does anyone know for sure if they mean purchase of barrels, uppers, lower receivers, parts kit, springs as part of the banned items? Of course this bill is utterly ridiculous and unconstitutional, but I am not convinced it will be overturned anytime soon when it passes.
Yes any part or parts that can be assembled to make an AW are covered. Buy spare parts now as we won't be able to legally acquire when signed.
Washington gun law on YouTube covers all this...
Thank you, I’ll take a look at that.
Why are these politicians not being charged under Deprivation of Rights under Color of Law?
DEPRIVATION OF RIGHTS UNDER COLOR OF LAW
SUMMARY:
Section 242 of Title 18 makes it a crime for a person acting under color of any law to willfully deprive a person of a right or privilege protected by the Constitution or laws of the United States.
For the purpose of Section 242, acts under "color of law" include acts not only done by federal, state, or local officials within their lawful authority, but also acts done beyond the bounds of that official's lawful authority, if the acts are done while the official is purporting to or pretending to act in the performance of his/her official duties. Persons acting under color of law within the meaning of this statute include police officers, prisons guards and other law enforcement officials, as well as judges, care providers in public health facilities, and others who are acting as public officials. It is not necessary that the crime be motivated by animus toward the race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin of the victim.
The offense is punishable by a range of imprisonment up to a life term, or the death penalty, depending upon the circumstances of the crime, and the resulting injury, if any.
TITLE 18, U.S.C., SECTION 242
Whoever, under color of any law, statute, ordinance, regulation, or custom, willfully subjects any person in any State, Territory, Commonwealth, Possession, or District to the deprivation of any rights, privileges, or immunities secured or protected by the Constitution or laws of the United States, ... shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than one year, or both; and if bodily injury results from the acts committed in violation of this section or if such acts include the use, attempted use, or threatened use of a dangerous weapon, explosives, or fire, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than ten years, or both; and if death results from the acts committed in violation of this section or if such acts include kidnapping or an attempt to kidnap, aggravated sexual abuse, or an attempt to commit aggravated sexual abuse, or an attempt to kill, shall be fined under this title, or imprisoned for any term of years or for life, or both, or may be sentenced to death.
Unconstitutional all the way , I myself not a criminal, as they make us look like they need to take the nuts off the street before they hurt themselves or someone else