Inslee signs ban on sales of dozens of semi-automatic rifles

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee signed House Bill 1240 Tuesday, banning the sale and import of assault weapons in the state.

According to a media release from the governor’s office, HB 1240 prohibits the manufacture, import, distribution, sale or offer for sale of any assault weapon in the state.

HB 1240 goes into effect immediately.

Current owners can keep the assault weapons they currently own, and licensed dealers are still permitted to supply weapons to any branch of the military or law enforcement agency.

The law covers more than 50 gun models, including AR-15s, AK-47s and similar-style rifles, which fire one bullet per trigger pull and automatically reload for a subsequent shot.

“We refuse to accept gun violence as normal. Gun violence, in all its forms, can be prevented,” Inslee tweeted after the legislation first passed the Senate, thanking the Democratic lawmakers who control both chambers.

Additionally, Inslee signed House Bill 1143, which requires a 10-day waiting period and proof of completed safety training for all firearm purchases.

HB 1143 will take effect on Jan. 1, 2024.

Inslee also signed Senate Bill 5078, which requires firearm manufacturers and retailers to enforce existing laws, track their inventories and prevent purchases to straw purchasers or those at risk of harming themselves or others, according to the release.

SB 5078 will take effect 90 days after the adjournment of the legislative session.

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