The WA state Senate on Saturday approved a ban on assault weapons in Washington, setting up the measure to go to Gov. Jay Inslee for a signature. The Senate approved the assault weapon ban, House Bill 1240, on a 27-21 vote, which must now go back to the House for a vote to concur on the final language.
During the floor debate on the ban, majority Democrats pointed to an unending string of mass shootings carried out by people using AR-15s and other assault-style weapons. "These tragedies continue without any meaningful action," said Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-WA). Republicans blamed mental health problems and moral decay for mass shootings and said that banning these firearms would only punish law-abiding citizens who own semiautomatic guns for hunting, recreation or self-defense purposes.
"The bill contains an emergency clause which would make it go into effect immediately upon being signed by Inslee," explained Rep. Laurie Jinkins (D-Tacoma), one of its sponsors.
Three Washington State gun control bills are poised to become law if passed:
If enacted into legislation with approval from both houses along with Gov.Inslee's endorsement ,Washington will join nine other states plus D.C., where sales have already been restricted due largely because they've caused so many casualties during recent domestic terror incidents like those occurring at schools & churches throughout America .
House Bill 1143 addresses additional concerns related specifically towards firearm transfers between parties : Dealers cannot transfer any such item until proof has come forth showing completion concerning safety training programs+background checks accompanied alongside standard 10-day waiting periods (which were mandated by voters via Initiative 1639 back during November elections held two years ago).