Gun rights groups speak out as Washington state Dems eye ban on semi-automatic rifles

Gun rights groups are speaking out against a bill being pushed by Washington state Democrats that would prohibit the sale and possession of many semi-automatic rifles, shotguns and handguns in the state.

House Bill 1240, which was introduced in the state legislature earlier this month at the request of Democratic Gov. Jay Inslee and state Attorney General Bob Ferguson, would prohibit the manufacture, importation, distribution and selling of so-called "assault weapons," including the AK-47, AR-15, M16 and dozens of others.

Exemptions would be limited to manufacturers and dealers selling to the military and law enforcement, antique firearms and "assault weapons" that are inoperable and/or inherited.