Leaders are feeling inspired to push anti-gun legislation due to the most recent school shooting and the overall rise in local gun violence. House Bill 1240 has already passed through the House and passed through a Senate Committee. The bill also outlaws the sale of certain parts and gun accessories used to make or modify certain guns. Those who oppose the bill state that law abiding citizens should have these weapons.
Washingtonians who already own a gun listed in the bill are allowed to keep it. There are also exceptions listed, like sales to law enforcement, military and out-of-state customers. Similar legislation has been proposed in the past six years in Washington but has never been successful. But people both in support of the bill and opposed to it, believe it will become law this time around.
If the bill passes, it will go into effect immediately, due to an emergency clause in the bill. Some gun shop owners say that guns have been around for decades, and this is not an emergency situation to enact the law right when it passes.
Lawmakers said they will try to give businesses options with their inventory, but some gun owners and sellers believe the bill is a violation of the Second Amendment. Some believe it will pass, but then will be reversed due to constitutionality.
Many who are strong constitutionist supporters and gun owners do not believe banning the sale of these firearms would prevent mass shootings from happening. But people who have been pushing for this legislation to pass, believe the ban would help prevent mass shootings.
Some are hopeful that this bill is an important step to reduce the number of guns in the community which may in return reduce the number of shootings. The bill needs to pass through the full Senate before it can become law. Governor Jay Inslee has already shown his support for the bill.
