OLYMPIA, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Washington’s ban on high-capacity magazines will remain in effect while legal challenges against it are considered.

King5 reports that state Supreme Court Commissioner Michael Johnston ruled that opposers of the ban “failed to persuasively show” it should be overturned while its ultimate legality is decided.

The ban was first overturned by a Cowlitz County judge, who ruled earlier this month that it violates both the state and U.S. constitutions. Attorney General Bob Ferguson immediately filed an emergency appeal to the state Supreme Court seeking to keep the law in effect during the appeals process.

Since July 2022, it has been illegal under state law to manufacture, distribute, sell or offer for sale gun magazines that hold more than 10 rounds of ammunition, with limited exceptions.

The bill‘s backers said at the time the law could reduce the carnage seen in mass shootings because people could have the chance to escape or stop a shooter in the time it takes to reload the weapon.