OLYMPIA, Wash. -- Our state constitution says you've got a right to own a gun for self protection. A right, the constitution says, the state can't take away.

But the murder of police officers in Lakewood and the killing Seattle officer Tim Brenton are changing the picture at the state Capitol.

Bellevue Police Chief Linda Pillo was one of those at a hearing Wednesday expressing support for the proposed legislation, which focuses on "military-style" assault weapons that can fire rapidly and carry large magazines of ammunition.

"Since October, six officers are dead and two are injured from gunfire," Pillo said. "I've never experienced so much gun violence in all my 31 years that I've served."

But a huge crowd around her, hundreds strong and spilling into the hallways, were there to oppose the bill.

"This bill is unconstitutional, it is arbitrary, it will not reduce crime and it will divert scarce law enforcement resources," said Brian Judy with the National Rifle Association.

The gun folks hate the bill and fear its language.

One example: They say an M-1 rifle is probably legal under the bill, but put on a muzzle equalizer to reduce kickback and it would be illegal.

Opponents say language in the bill could also make identical weapons legal or illegal depending on what stock is affixed to the weapon.

Gun shop owners say the bill will just create confusion -- and sales.

"Historically, any time that the government talks about banning guns that's our busiest time, we sell more guns," said Chad Curtis, a manager at Wade's Gun Shop in Bellevue.

There may not be a rush to the gun shops. Senate leaders say the chance of passage is small, as the legislature is too busy with the budget.