Washington: Slate of Anti-Gun Measures Pending Consideration in the Legislature

SEMI-AUTOMATIC FIREARMS BAN – Senate Bill 5217 arbitrarily classifies many popularly-owned semi-automatic firearms as so-called “assault weapons” and bans their possession, manufacture, transfer, etc.  These firearms are widely used for self-defense, recreational shooting, and hunting, and have now been vilified due to cosmetic features.  It is extremely important that NRA Members and Second Amendment supporters contact their lawmakers in opposition to SB 5217.

MAGAZINE BAN – Senate Bill 5078, bans the manufacture, possession, sale, transfer, etc., of magazines that “are capable of holding,” or hold more than, 17 rounds of ammunition. Amendments to the bill are expected to lower this to 12 or even 10 rounds. This includes conversion kits or parts from which any such magazine may be assembled.  These so-called “high capacity” magazines are, in fact, standard equipment for commonly-owned firearms that many Americans legally and effectively use for an entire range of legitimate purposes, such as self-defense or competition.  Those who own non-compliant magazines prior to the ban are only allowed to possess them on their own property and in other limited instances, such as at licensed shooting ranges or while hunting.  Prohibited magazines have to be transported unloaded and locked separately from firearms, and must be stored locked at home, making them unavailable for self-defense.  Any violation of this measure is a gross misdemeanor punishable by a maximum of 364 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $5,000. ?

ANTI-PREEMPTION – Senate Bill 5568 guts the state’s preemption laws.  SB 5568 will expand gun free zones and permit municipalities to ban the open carry of firearms.  These types of measures result in a complex patchwork of gun laws across the state that ensnare otherwise law-abiding gun owners, turning them into criminals.

GHOST GUNS BAN – HB 1705 further restricts the centuries-old practice of manufacturing firearms for personal use ?and self-defense by imposing requirements that far exceed those in federal law.  It seeks to prohibit private individuals from possessing certain unregulated components commonly-used by hobbyists to make their own firearms, as well as possessing currently legal firearms that don’t have serial numbers.

BAN FIREARMS FROM ELECTION-RELATED PLACES – HB 1618 prohibits the carrying of any firearm, whether open or concealed, into an “election related office or facility” including polling places, voter registration centers, and more.  Violation would be a gross misdemeanor and revocation of a concealed pistol license for at least three years.

BAN FIREARMS FROM SCHOOL BOARD AND MUNICIPAL MEETINGS – HB 1630 prohibits the carrying of firearms at school board or local municipality meetings. Violation may also result in revocation of a concealed pistol license for at least three years.

EXPAND CIVIL PROTECTION ORDERS FOR CLEANING, STORING OR CARRYING FIREARMS – House Bill 1901 would allow petitioners for civil protection orders to assert that another has “coercive control” over them, leading to an unconstitutional revocation of firearm rights.  Examples of coercive control listed in the bill include “cleaning, accessing, displaying, using, or wearing a firearm in an intimidating or threatening manner” – even within one’s own home. This is ripe for abuse.