Washington state lawmakers voted on Wednesday to ban dozens of semi-automatic rifles, and the governor is expected to sign the legislation.
Most of the devastating mass shootings in the country are committed by young men using high-powered firearms, which were once banned nationwide.
In the first 100 days of a calendar year since 2009, there have been more mass shootings than ever before.
Including AR-15 rifles, AK-47 rifles, and similar rifles, the Washington law would ban their sale, distribution, manufacture, and importation. In these guns, one bullet is fired per pull of the trigger, and it will automatically reload for the next shot. The state of Washington includes some exemptions for law enforcement and the military. A person who already has the weapons is not barred from possessing them.
As soon as Democratic Gov. Jay Inslee signs the law, it will become effective immediately.