Bill would ban so-called 'assault' weapons

OLYMPIA - A popular .22 caliber rifle in Eastern Washington would be classified as an "assault" weapon under a proposed law making its way through the Legislature.

The manufacture, distribution and sale of any so-called "assault weapon" would become illegal if a bill passed by the state House of Representatives clears the Senate and is signed into law.

Substitute House Bill 1240 defines "assault weapons" by brands and models, and generally as semiautomatic weapons with specific features.

The bill would ban semiautomatic rifles with a length of less than 30 inches; semiautomatic centerfire rifl...