SB 5349
In CommitteeSenate
Assault rifles/CPL holders
Exempting a concealed pistol license holder from the prohibition against importing firearms classified as assault rifles.
This status may be delayed. See Action History below for the latest updates.
How does a bill become law?
- Introduced: The bill is filed and assigned a number.
- Committee: A subject-matter committee holds hearings, takes public testimony, and decides whether to advance the bill.
- Floor Vote: The full chamber (House or Senate) debates and votes on the bill.
- Opposite Chamber: The bill repeats the committee and floor vote process in the other chamber.
- Governor: The Governor reviews the bill and decides whether to sign or veto it.
- Signed: The bill has been signed into law.
AI Analysis
This bill adds two new exceptions to Washington’s ban on assault rifles: one allowing Concealed Pistol License (CPL) holders to import an assault rifle, and another allowing heirs to receive an assault rifle by inheritance (but not resell it). It also clarifies rules for dealers selling to out-of-state buyers or law enforcement.
- Adds a new exception allowing a person with a valid Concealed Pistol License (CPL) to import an assault rifle into Washington State.
- Allows heirs to receive (but not sell or transfer) an assault rifle by inheritance, provided they can prove it came from a legal owner and they do not keep it for more than a reasonable time.
- Permits licensed dealers to sell or transfer assault rifles to out-of-state buyers or to law enforcement/military, but prohibits them from building inventory for resale after April 25, 2023, except for a 90-day window for pre-January 1, 2023 stock.
- Clarifies that receiving an assault rifle by inheritance is not considered 'distribution' under state law.
- Maintains existing prohibitions on manufacturing, selling, or distributing assault rifles in Washington, except under the specified exceptions.
Who is affected
- Concealed Pistol License holders — Concealed Pistol License (CPL) holders may legally import an assault rifle into Washington if they hold a valid CPL at the time of importation.
- Heirs of deceased assault rifle owners — Heirs who inherit an assault rifle from a deceased owner who legally possessed it may keep it temporarily, but cannot sell or transfer it except to licensed dealers, gunsmiths (for repair), or law enforcement agencies.
- Law enforcement and military agencies — Federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, as well as military branches, may continue to receive assault weapons from manufacturers or dealers for official use.
- Licensed firearms dealers — Licensed firearms dealers may continue to sell or transfer assault rifles to out-of-state buyers or to law enforcement/military, but cannot build inventory for resale after April 25, 2023 (except for a 90-day window for pre-2023 stock).
Pro/Con Analysis
Stronger case for benefits
Potential Benefits (4)
Allowing CPL holders to import assault rifles respects the rights of law-abiding citizens who have already undergone background checks, training, and fingerprinting—ensuring consistency with existing licensing standards; this benefits responsible gun owners who travel or relocate with firearms.
Rights & LibertiesPeopleRef: Sec. 1, RCW 9.41.390(2)(e)Permitting inheritance of assault rifles without requiring sale or surrender protects family property rights and avoids forcing lawful owners to abandon legally owned firearms during bereavement; this is especially meaningful for multi-generational gun-owning families in rural or hunting communities.
Rights & LibertiesPeopleRef: Sec. 1, RCW 9.41.390(2)(f)The bill clarifies and preserves legal channels for licensed dealers to sell to out-of-state buyers and law enforcement, supporting small firearms dealers who rely on lawful secondary markets; this helps maintain viable business operations without expanding in-state inventory.
Business & EmploymentRef: Sec. 1, RCW 9.41.390(2)(a)-(c)The bill explicitly authorizes law enforcement agencies (including federal, state, and local) to receive assault weapons for official use, supporting public safety operations where such tools are deemed necessary for high-risk scenarios (e.g., active shooter response).
Local GovernmentRef: Sec. 1, RCW 9.41.390(2)(a)-(c)
Potential Concerns (5)
The bill permits CPL holders to import assault rifles, which may increase the number of high-capacity firearms in circulation among individuals with no mandatory safety or training beyond CPL requirements; however, CPL holders already undergo background checks and training, and the bill does not expand access beyond existing licensees.
Public SafetyRef: Sec. 1, RCW 9.41.390(2)(e)Allowing heirs to temporarily possess inherited assault rifles without background checks or safety training could create a gap in oversight, especially if heirs fail to report or properly relinquish the weapon within a reasonable time; however, the restriction on resale or transfer (except to dealers/gunsmiths/law enforcement) limits immediate proliferation risk.
Public SafetyRef: Sec. 1, RCW 9.41.390(2)(f)Expanding legal channels for assault rifle distribution—including to out-of-state buyers and law enforcement—may indirectly increase availability in Washington if weapons flow back across state lines; however, the bill explicitly prohibits inventory building and restricts dealers to pre-2023 stock, limiting systemic risk.
Public SafetyRef: Sec. 1, RCW 9.41.390(2)(a)-(c)The bill preserves property rights by allowing inheritance of lawfully owned assault rifles, reinforcing constitutional rights under *District of Columbia v. Heller* and *McDonald v. Chicago*; however, Washington’s assault weapon ban remains intact for non-heirs, so the liberty expansion is narrow and conditional.
Rights & LibertiesRef: Sec. 1, RCW 9.41.390(2)(f)The restriction on heirs’ ability to resell or transfer the weapon (except to dealers, gunsmiths, or law enforcement) limits full ownership rights, potentially creating confusion or legal risk if heirs misunderstand the limitations; however, the limitation is clearly defined in the statute and aligns with Washington’s regulatory framework.
Rights & LibertiesRef: Sec. 1, RCW 9.41.390(2)(f)
Who Is Most Affected
CPL holders gain a new legal pathway to import assault rifles, reinforcing their ability to lawfully possess firearms they are already vetted to carry; this benefits responsible, trained gun owners who value consistency in licensing standards.
Heirs gain temporary possession rights but face strict limitations on resale or transfer; this protects family property rights while minimizing proliferation risk—though confusion or noncompliance could expose heirs to legal liability.
Law enforcement agencies retain access to assault rifles for official use, supporting operational readiness in high-risk situations; however, this does not expand access beyond existing authorized channels.
Licensed dealers maintain legal avenues to sell out-of-state or to law enforcement, but are constrained by inventory limits and timing windows; this supports small dealers’ viability without expanding in-state commerce.