House bill would ban 'assault' weapons

OLYMPIA — The manufacture, distribution and sale of any so-called “assault weapon” would become illegal if a bill passed by the state House of Representatives clears the Senate and is signed into law.

Substitute House Bill 1240 defines “assault weapons” by brands and models, and generally as semiautomatic weapons with specific features.

The bill would ban semiautomatic rifles with a length of less than 30 inches; semiautomatic centerfire rifles that accept a detachable magazine and or a fixed magazine with the capacity to accept more than 10 rounds; semiautomatic pistols that have the capacity to accept a detachable magazine; some semiautomatic shotguns; and conversion kits and parts.

The bill contains several exceptions.

Licensed firearms manufacturers can sell to state or federal military organizations, or to any law enforcement agencies for law enforcement purposes, or to a person who does not reside in Washington.

Licensed firearms dealers also can sell assault weapons acquired from an individual legally authorized to possess or transfer the weapon, for the purpose of selling or transferring the weapon to a person who does not reside in Washington. Any person may acquire an assault weapon upon the death of the weapon’s former owner, if that former owner was in legal possession of the weapon and the person who acquires possession can establish such provenance, the bill report says.

The term ‘assault weapon’ would exclude antique firearms, a permanently inoperable firearm and any firearm manually operated by bolt, pump, lever or slide action.

Under current law, Washington prohibits residents from manufacturing, owning, buying and selling any machine gun, undetectable firearm and other specified weapons. There are certain restrictions on semiautomatic assault rifles under current law, as well.