• As expected, Washington state’s proposed ban on the sale of so-called “assault weapons” – which would ban the new sale of many models of semi-automatic sport-utility rifles, pistols and shotguns – was heard this week in the state’s Senate Judiciary Committee.
• After an hour of contentious debate -- in what the press described as a “hearing room packed with outraged gun-rights activists” -- the committee did not have enough votes to advance the measure (SB 6396).
• This proposal – which is said to be more sweeping than the now-expired federal “Assault Weapons Ban” – is not expected to see any further action this legislative session.