State to keep Legislative Building closed Tuesday until after Inslee signs weapons bills

At 10 a.m. Tuesday, Gov. Jay Inslee plans to sign three historic bills aimed at preventing gun violence in Washington, and the state Department of Enterprise Services announced Monday it would keep the Legislative Building closed until after those signings.

The bills include:

• Assault-style weapons ban, making Washington the 10th state with such a ban.
• Required safety training and a 10-day waiting period prior to the purchase or transfer of a firearm.
• Legislation to strengthen accountability of firearm manufacturers and retailers.

The bill signings, planned for the State Reception Room, are not typically open to the public, but DES said it will not open the building to the public until noon Tuesday. DES distributed a statement saying it was taking the action “out of an abundance of caution.”

Employees will need badges to access the building during this time.

Those who want to watch the signings can do so on TVW, which will livestream the event.

This story was originally published April 24, 2023 at 5:28 PM.