Washington State Legislature Passes Assault Weapon Ban

The Washington state Legislature has passed a ban on dozens of semi-automatic rifles, including AR-15s and AK-47s, which will go into effect immediately once signed by Governor Jay Inslee. The ban comes after multiple failed attempts and amid a rise in mass shootings. Some exemptions are included for sales to law enforcement agencies and the military. Republican lawmakers opposed the ban, with some contending school shootings should be addressed by remodeling buildings to make them less appealing as targets. The U.S. Congress reinstating a ban on semi-automatic rifles appears far off, but President Joe Biden and other Democrats have become increasingly emboldened in pushing for stronger gun controls.