Bill/Issue: WA SB 5078 - Capacity-Based Magazine Ban

Position: Strongly Opposed

Sponsor: State Senators Liias, Kuderer, Darneille, Hunt, Nguyen, Pedersen, and Wilson, C.

Summary: Bans future manufacture, possession, distribution, importation, sale, offer for sale, purchasing, or transfer of “large capacity magazines” (greater than 10 rounds). 

The goal of WA SB 5078 is to “increase public safety” by prohibiting the manufacture, possession, distribution, importation, sale, offer for sale, purchasing, or transfer of “large capacity magazines”. The bill would define “large capacity” as any magazine capable of holding more than 10 rounds of ammunition. 

Individuals who legally possessed “large capacity magazines” before the effective date of SB 5078 would be exempt under the law, as would individuals who acquire them via inheritance, so long as they can prove to the state that they are entitled to do so. However, they would only be permitted to possess the magazines in question while on their own property, at a gun range or engaging in “lawful outdoor recreational activities”, or in between. 

The following individuals would also be exempt under SB 5078:

• Government employees hired to provide firearms training while acting within their official capacity. 
• Gun dealers and manufacturers who would put these magazines in the hands of the government or out-of-state buyers
• Police
• Retired police
• On-duty military members while acting within their official capacity

If enacted, the punishment for violating the provisions of WA SB 5078 include up to 364 days in jail, a fine up to $5,000, or both. 

WA SB 5078 represents an immediate danger to the right to keep and bear arms and MUST be defeated at all costs. 

Please use FPC's Take Action form below and take action NOW. Tell these state senators that their attempt to deprive you of your right to self-defense will not be tolerated and that this bill must be WITHDRAWN immediately!