Firearms Industry Responds
Quickly To Washington Gun Ban
Challenges To HB 1240 Mount
There are over 24.4 million MSRs in circulation today — more than the number of
Ford F-150s on American roads.
April 25, Washington Gov. Jay Inslee signed a trio of anti-gun pieces of legislation into law. HB 1240 bans the sale, manufacture and import of 60 AR-style rifles in Washington state — which has become the 10th state in the U.S. to ban sale of these products.
The other bills signed into law include HB 1143 (a mandate for new gun owners to complete a training course on “basic firearms safety rules” and how to keep them secure) and SB 5078 (clarifying legal liabilities for gun manufacturers who allow straw purchases, sell guns to people prohibited from owning them or market to children.)
Firearms industry organizations and businesses were quick to contest these laws, citing they violate the Second and Fourteenth Amendment.
Legal Challenges Mount
NSSF, along with Sharp Shooting Indoor Range & Gun Shop, The Range and Aero Precision filed a lawsuit against Washington Attorney General Robert Ferguson and John Batiste, chief of Washington State Patrol, seeking declaratory and injunctive relief from state authorities enforcing HB 1240. According to NSSF, there are over 24.4 million MSRs in circulation today — more than there are Ford F-150s on the road.
“NSSF will not stand idly by as politicians cleave away fundamental Constitutional rights from Americans,” said Lawrence G. Keane, NSSF Senior Vice President & General Counsel. “The right to keep and bear arms that are commonly owned belongs to law-abiding citizens. Politicians in Washington exceed their authority when they usurp those rights to mollify radical special-interest groups.”
“We do not agree with this law and we do not think it is constitutional,” said Scott Dover, CEO of Aero Precision. “HB1240 bans some of the most common firearms and parts available. It impacts the lawful ownership of products we manufacture and sell to thousands of our customers in the State of Washington. It also restricts the rights of the individuals, Aero Precision employees, who make these parts. We will fight this law in the courts and are confident in the outcome given the clear rulings in multiple Supreme Court cases, including Heller and Bruen.”
Also reacting quickly, the Second Amendment Foundation filed a lawsuit challenging HB 1240. SAF has been joined by the Firearms Policy Coalition, Sporting Systems, a Hazel Dell retailer and three private citizens.
“The state has put politics ahead of constitutional rights, and is penalizing law-abiding citizens while this legislation does nothing to arrest and prosecute criminals who misuse firearms in defiance of all existing gun control laws. It is absurd,” stated Alan Gottlieb, SAF founder and EVP.
This is a developing story — follow the efforts of NSSF’s Government Relations team for additional updates.
