A Washington House committee today [Tuesday] heard testimony on a new bill that would put restrictions on the possession and sale of so-called “large capacity gun magazines.”
The bill makes it a gross misdemeanor to make, possess, distribute, buy or sell those magazines. It would not punish people who already own them. It also includes several exemptions, including for people who provide firearms training as part of their jobs.
The committee took testimony for 45 minutes, including an impassioned plea by Ami Strahan, the mother of the student killed in the Freeman High School shooting in 2017.
“I recognize that my son was not killed by a high capacity weapon. But what I know is that the shooter walked into Freeman High School, duffel bag loaded with his assault rifle and over 400 rounds. His intent was to kill as many people as he could in the crowded hallway," Strahan said.
Strahan was joined in supporting the bill by Spokane pediatrician Mike Van Dyke.
Lobbyists for the NRA and other pro-gun groups, cited statistics to make their case against magazine limits. They say most research shows magazine limits have no effect on limiting gun violence. Some, including Sharon Hinchcliffe from the self-defense group Pink Pistols, argued homeowners often need plenty of ammunition to ward off invaders.
“This bill will prevent members of the LGBT community from effective self defense that they are entitled to as a human right," Hinchcliffe said.
The bill is not yet scheduled for a committee vote. There are about two weeks left in Washington’s legislative session.