Bill to ban assault rifles passes house

COLFAX — Assault rifles may soon be illegal in Washington, pending the passing of House Bill (HB) 1240 and its partnering HB 1143 in the Senate.

HB 1240 would prohibit the manufacture, importation, distribution, selling, and offering for sale of assault weapons.

It would achieve this by providing limited exemptions applicable to licensed firearm manufacturers and dealers for sale to armed forces branches and law enforcement agencies. The bill would also apply to purchases or transfers outside the state and to inheritors.

Its partnering bill, HB 1143, would not only enhance and lengthen require...