OLYMPIA, Wash. - The Washington state Senate on Saturday approved an assault-weapons ban, a measure long sought by gun-control advocates.
HB1240 passed the Senate in a 27-21 vote, with one excused. The measure will go back to the House since it was amended by the Senate before it is sent to Gov. Jay Inslee.
The Washington state House in March passed a measure on a largely party-line 55-42 vote.
If the bill is signed into law, Washington would join nine other states that have enacted laws generally banning the sale, manufacture and transfer of assault weapons, according to the Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence.
BREAKING: In a historic vote, the Senate just passed #HB1240 to prohibit the sale, manufacture & import of assault weapons in Washington state — to protect our kids, reduce gun violence & put public safety over the interests of the gun industry. #WALeg
— WA Senate Democrats (@WASenDemocrats) April 8, 2023
