The Washington State Legislature passed a ban on several semi-automatic rifles on Wednesday. It is now waiting for Governor Jay Inslee to sign it into law.
Once the Washington law takes effect, it will block the manufacture, distribution, importation, and sale of various high-powered firearms. However, folks who already have these weapons may continue to keep them despite the looming ban.
Semi-Automatic Rifles Ban
According to ABC News, the Washington law that seeks to ban dozens of semi-automatic rifles is awaiting the signature of Democratic Gov. Jay Inslee, who has been advocating for the longest time. He stated that Washington "will not accept gun violence as normal."
Inslee also notes that the ban on this high-powered weaponry should help save people's lives.
However, Republican lawmakers are against banning semi-automatic rifles in the states. Instead, they want to take a different approach to address school shootings. These lawmakers are raising the idea of remodeling the building of the schools in Washington to make them less appealing as targets.
Senator. Lynda Wilson argues that the ban infringes on the right of citizens to protect themselves using these high-powered firearms. She says the semi-automatic rifle ban "clearly violates our state and federal constitutions, which is why it will end up in court immediately."
The Seattle Times notes that these semi-automatic weapons were previously banned nationwide. But young folks have started using these high-powered guns to carry out mass shootings.
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Which Weapons Are Included?
As mentioned, the semi-automatic rifle ban in Washington not only prohibits the sale of various high-powered weapons. It also blocks the importation, manufacturing, and distribution of multiple classes of guns.
According to Time Magazine, the law is set to ban semi-automatic rifle models, such as M-4, M-16, AR-16, AR-15, AK-74, and AK47. Other similar-style assault weapons are also part of the restriction. On top of these classes, it will also cover magazines with over ten rounds of ammunition.
The ban only applies explicitly to manufacturing, importing, and selling the weapons mentioned above. As such, the law will not ban possessing these high-powered guns. If you are an existing owner of a semi-automatic rifle, you may continue having it. But those planning to buy new ones may no longer do so once Gov. Inslee signs it into law.
It is worth noting that the law provides an exemption to the sale of these rifles to the military and other members of law enforcement.
Apart from Washington, other states in the US are currently upholding a similar ban on these weapons. A total of nine states now prohibit these assault weapons, such as New York, New Jersey, Maryland, and California. Massachusetts, Illinois, Delaware, and Connecticut also enforce such restrictions. Washington soon be included in this list of states once its governor signs the semi-automatic rifle ban into law.
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