Today is a sad day for Washington State. Your NSSF Government Relations team has learned that the following bills will be signed tomorrow Tuesday, April 25, 2023, by Governor Jay Inslee:

• HB 1240 – Bans the manufacturing, sale, purchase and transfer of so-called “assault rifles."

• HB 1143 – Creates an onerous permit-to-purchase requirement for all firearm sales in the state.

• SB 5078 – Allows frivolous lawsuits to be brought against manufacturers, retailers and virtually anyone else in the supply chain.

Because HB 1240 contains an emergency clause, the bill takes effect immediately upon the governor’s signature. SB 5078 takes effect 90 days after adjournment, and HB 1143 has an effective date of January 1, 2024.

NSSF^® will be challenging these unconstitutional laws in court.