The proposed bill seeks to enhance public safety in Washington by instituting a comprehensive ban on the manufacture, importation, distribution, sale, and offering for sale of assault weapons, which are defined as military-style firearms capable of causing mass casualties. The legislation includes specific definitions for terms such as "assault weapon," "large capacity magazine," and various firearm types, while allowing limited exemptions for licensed manufacturers and dealers to sell to armed forces and law enforcement agencies, as well as provisions for transfers to inheritors. Importantly, current legal owners of assault weapons are permitted to retain their firearms, reflecting a balance between public safety concerns and the rights of existing firearm owners.

In addition to the ban, the bill amends existing laws to align definitions with federal standards and introduces new regulations regarding firearms. It establishes that violations of the assault weapon regulations are considered unfair or deceptive acts under state consumer protection laws, enabling civil investigative actions against offenders. The bill also includes a severability clause to maintain the effectiveness of the remaining provisions if any part is invalidated. The act is deemed necessary for the immediate preservation of public safety and is set to take effect immediately upon approval.