Washington AG hopes to repeal death penalty repeal, ban high-capacity magazines

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Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson has announced his 2019 legislative agenda, which includes renewed calls for a ban on high-capacity firearm magazines and a repeal of the state’s death penalty, as well as raising the legal age to purchase tobacco products to 21.

The slate of 11 agency request bills includes several new initiatives. Among them, Ferguson proposes to prohibit the ownership or transfer of “ghost guns” — any firearm that cannot be reliably detected by a metal detector, such as a plastic 3D-printed gun.

The AG says the diverse slate of legislation increases protections for consumers and workers, impacts the health and safety of Washingtonians, and addresses needed changes in government and the legal system.

Bills include an update to the state’s data breach notification law, a ban on the practice of “pocket service” by debt collectors, and a bill to close a loophole in the state’s wage theft laws that allows employers to avoid penalties if they return stolen wages before a citation is issued.

Ferguson is again requesting a bill that allows people to consolidate their traffic fines across jurisdictions, giving them a single, affordable payment plan.

The Washington Legislature convenes next month. (Washington AG’s office)

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