OLYMPIA, Wash. – Governor Jay Inslee has signed three gun violence prevention bills into law.

The most contested of the three laws bans the sale, import or transfer of assault-style semi-automatic rifles, effective immediately.

Inslee called them weapons of war as he signed the bill.

“Their only purpose is to kill humans as rapidly as possible in large numbers,” said Inslee. “And I will say this: AR-15s should not be idolized, they should be prohibited and that’s what we’re doing today.”

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre says President Biden is applauding Inslee and Washington lawmakers.

“They have made every community in the state from Seattle to Spokane, and everywhere in between, safer and more secure,” said Jean-Pierre.

The ban has already drawn a quick legal challenge from the Bellevue-based Second Amendment Foundation.

Their lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court in Tacoma claims the law violates the constitutional right to keep and bear arms.

Another law Inslee signed on Tuesday, April 25th, clears the way for lawsuits against gun makers or sellers in certain cases.

Seattle Democrat Jamie Pederson sponsored the legislation in the Senate.

“If you’re a manufacturer who’s going to target youth with a message about how cool it is to go shoot assault weapons,” said Pederson. “Guess what? You may have some responsibility the next time there is a mass shooting.”

The law goes into effect in July.

A third law imposes a 10-day waiting period on firearms purchases.

It takes effect on January 1st of next year.

Inslee and other speakers at the signing ceremony say the new laws won’t solve all gun violence, but will save lives.