The Morning After: Dissecting Washington's New Magazine Ban

Published on March 5, 2022
Duration: 12:22

Washington Gun Law TV President William Kirk dissects Senate Bill 5078, a new magazine ban in Washington state. The bill redefines 'large capacity magazine' as a device accepting more than 10 rounds, with exceptions for permanently altered magazines, .22 caliber tubes, and lever-action tubular magazines. Crucially, the law prohibits manufacturing, importing, distributing, selling, or offering for sale these magazines, but explicitly does NOT prohibit possession. The definition of 'distribute' is broad, potentially including casual sharing of magazines.

Quick Summary

Washington's Senate Bill 5078 redefines a large capacity magazine as one holding over 10 rounds, prohibiting its manufacture, import, distribution, and sale. Crucially, possession of these magazines is not prohibited by the law. Exceptions exist for permanently altered magazines, .22 caliber tubes, and lever-action tubular magazines. The bill takes effect July 1st, 2022.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: SB 5078 Passed
  2. 00:36Dissecting Washington's New Magazine Ban
  3. 02:28Defining Large Capacity Magazine
  4. 03:33Exceptions to the Definition
  5. 04:38What the Law Prohibits
  6. 05:31What the Law Does NOT Prohibit
  7. 06:09Authorized Exceptions for Sale
  8. 06:48The Sticking Point: 'Distribute'
  9. 07:25New Definition of 'Distribute'
  10. 08:33Implications of 'Deliver' and 'Make Available'
  11. 09:11SB 5078: Good News or Bad?
  12. 09:20Stocking Up on Magazines
  13. 10:04Supporting Local FFLs
  14. 10:36Inventory After July 1st
  15. 11:28Enactment Date: July 1st, 2022
  16. 11:44Contact Washington Gun Law

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the new definition of a large capacity magazine in Washington State under SB 5078?

Under SB 5078, a large capacity magazine is defined as an ammunition feeding device that can hold more than 10 rounds. This definition also includes any parts or conversion kits that can be assembled into such a device if possessed by the same person.

Does Washington's new magazine ban (SB 5078) prohibit possession of high-capacity magazines?

No, the statute explicitly prohibits the manufacture, import, distribution, sale, or offering for sale of large capacity magazines. However, the law does not prohibit the possession of these magazines by individuals.

What are the exceptions to Washington's large capacity magazine ban?

Exceptions include magazines permanently altered to hold 10 rounds or fewer, .22 caliber tube ammunition feeding devices, and tubular magazines found in lever-action firearms. Sales to the armed forces and law enforcement are also authorized.

When does Washington's Senate Bill 5078 regarding magazine capacity take effect?

Senate Bill 5078, once signed by the governor, will have an enactment date of July 1st, 2022. This is the date when the restrictions on commercial transactions for large capacity magazines will take effect.

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