Magazine capacity gun ban advances

OLYMPIA – Gov. Jay Inslee is considering a measure that would make it illegal to sell, manufacture and distribution so-called “high-capacity” magazines for firearms in Washington state.

Senate Bill 5078 passed the House, 55-42, last Friday, March 5, advancing the measure to the governor’s desk.

The bill makes it a gross misdemeanor in the state to sell, distribute or manufacture magazines that can hold more than 10 rounds of ammunition. It does not make it illegal to own such magazines.

“This policy will save lives and make our communities safe from gun violence,” State Attorney General Robert “Bob” Ferguson said after the bill’s passage.

The bill initially passed the Senate, 28-20, on Feb. 9.

Nine other states already have limits on the capacity of magazines.

Ferguson has been pushing for a ban on so-called “high-capacity” magazines for more than five years.

The bill, sponsored by Sen. Mark Liias, D-Lynnwood, is one of two introduced this legislative session.

The other bill is House Bill 1164, sponsored by Rep. Javier Valdez, D-Seattle.