Are Ghost Guns Grandfathered in Washington State?
The concept of "ghost guns" has gained significant attention in recent years, particularly in the context of gun control debates. A ghost gun is a firearm that is not serialized or traced, making it difficult for law enforcement to identify its owner or track its origin. Washington state has implemented various regulations to address the issue, but the question remains: are ghost guns grandfathered in Washington state?
What are Ghost Guns?
Before diving into the specifics of Washington state’s laws, it’s essential to understand what ghost guns are. A ghost gun is typically defined as a firearm that is:
• Not manufactured by a licensed firearms manufacturer: Ghost guns are often assembled from parts purchased online or at gun shows, which allows the buyer to avoid the serial numbering and background check requirements.
• Not serialized or traced: Because ghost guns are not manufactured by a licensed manufacturer, they are not assigned a unique serial number, making it difficult for law enforcement to track their ownership or origin.
• Often assembled by the buyer: Many ghost guns are assembled by the buyer themselves, which allows them to avoid any federal or state requirements for firearms manufacturers.
Washington State’s Laws on Ghost Guns
Washington state has implemented several laws aimed at addressing the issue of ghost guns. In 2019, the state passed a law that requires serialized marks on all firearms, including those assembled from parts. This law was designed to help law enforcement track the ownership and origin of firearms more effectively.
However, some ghost guns may have been manufactured or assembled before the implementation of this law, which raises the question: are they grandfathered in?
Are Ghost Guns Grandfathered in Washington State?
The answer to this question is complex. According to the Washington State Department of Licensing, ghost guns manufactured or assembled before January 1, 2020 are not subject to the new serialized mark requirements. This means that if a ghost gun was assembled or manufactured before this date, it is not considered a new firearm and is not required to have a serialized mark.
However, it’s important to note that this exemption only applies to ghost guns that were already in existence before the implementation of the new law. Any ghost guns manufactured or assembled after January 1, 2020 are subject to the new serialized mark requirements.
Key Takeaways
Here are some key takeaways to summarize the situation:
| Date of Manufacture/Assembly | Serialized Mark Requirements |
|---|---|
| Before January 1, 2020 | Exempt from serialized mark requirements |
| After January 1, 2020 | Subject to serialized mark requirements |
Penalties for Possessing or Manufacturing Ghost Guns
It’s important to note that possessing or manufacturing ghost guns in Washington state can still result in penalties and legal consequences. Under state law, possession of a ghost gun without a background check is a felony. Additionally, manufacturing or assembling a ghost gun without a federal license is a federal crime.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while ghost guns manufactured or assembled before January 1, 2020 are exempt from the new serialized mark requirements in Washington state, it’s important to note that this exemption only applies to ghost guns that were already in existence before the implementation of the new law. Any ghost guns manufactured or assembled after this date are subject to the new requirements.
It’s also important to understand that possessing or manufacturing ghost guns in Washington state can still result in penalties and legal consequences. As the debate surrounding gun control continues to evolve, it’s essential for gun owners and enthusiasts to stay informed about the laws and regulations in their state.
