Today, Washington Governor Jay Inslee turned his back on law-abiding gun owners in the Evergreen State, ignored overwhelming public opposition, and has once again snubbed our Second Amendment Right to self-defense. This morning, the Governor signed anti-gun measures, Senate Bill 5078, House Bill 1705, and House Bill 1630. The NRA, our members, and Second Amendment supporters from across the state crowded virtual committee rooms and legislator inboxes with cries of “VOTE NO,” setting state records for public engagement in numerous hearings. Despite that, Governor Inslee decided that making the anti-gun Washington elite happy was more important than allowing the law-abiding populace of his state to be able to defend themselves and their loved ones effectively.
Public policy that looks to disarm those who follow the laws in hopes that criminals will do the same is dangerous, misguided, and shameful. Your NRA-ILA has fought these measures across the United States and has brought legal challenges against similar unconstitutional magazine bans from New Jersey and California.
10-ROUND MAGAZINE BAN – Senate Bill 5078 bans the manufacture, sale, transfer, importation, etc., of magazines that “are capable of holding,” or hold more than, 10 rounds of ammunition. 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 constitutionally and effectively use for an entire range of lawful purposes, such as self-defense or competition. For example, the Glock 19 was the most commonly purchased firearm of 2021 and has a standard-issue magazine that holds 15 rounds of ammunition. 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.
“GHOST GUNS” BAN – House Bill 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 prohibits private individuals from possessing certain unregulated components commonly used by Americans to make their own firearms for self-defense, sport and hobby, and from possessing currently legal firearms that don’t have serial numbers. This bill makes lawfully built firearms retroactively illegal if built after 2019.
BAN FIREARMS FROM ELECTION-RELATED PLACES, SCHOOL BOARD AND MUNICIPAL MEETINGS – House Bill 1630 prohibits open carry at school board meetings, municipal meetings and election-related places. Further, HB 1630 bans all firearms at ballot counting centers, including by CPL Holders. This measure prohibits you from exercising one of your constitutional rights while engaging in another.
While the Governor’s ink might be dry, NRA-ILA and Washington gun owners aren’t done fighting. The 2022 Election is on the horizon, and these brazen acts show just how important each contested race will be. Stay-tuned to NRA-ILA Alerts for more information and updates.
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