On Saturday, Washington State’s House passed a new bill about buying guns. The bill, House Bill 1163, would require people to get a permit before buying a firearm. This significant legislation is part of ongoing efforts to address gun regulations more effectively.
Supporters and Opponents of gun permits
Democrats pushed the bill through without any Republican votes. Supporters say the bill will help keep guns out of the wrong hands. They believe the permit system will make the state safer. This law would put Washington on the same path as other states with similar systems dealing with gun control.
“We know this policy works,” said Rep. Liz Berry, D-Seattle. She believes the bill will stop guns from getting into the black market.
Some people, like Rep. Darya Farivar, D-Seattle, say this bill will make neighborhoods safer. Farivar represents Lake City, where gunshots are heard often. “This legislation will let us sleep,” she said. She believes people should understand the power of firearms before buying one to ensure responsible gun ownership.
Rejected Amendments
Republicans didn’t agree with the bill. They tried to change it with 27 amendments. All but one were rejected. One proposed amendment would have given an exemption to veterans who were honorably discharged. This was turned down by Democrats.
Rep. Jim Walsh, R-Aberdeen, argued the bill breaks the state constitution. He said it takes away rights like privacy and the right to defend oneself with a firearm, including the right to own a gun.
What the gun permits bill says
The bill goes further than the 10-day waiting period and background checks that are already law in Washington. It says anyone who wants to buy a gun must first apply for a permit from the Washington State Patrol. This permit lasts for five years.
To get the permit, people must complete a firearms safety training course. Police and military members don’t have to take the course. The state patrol will process the applications within 30 days, or 60 days if the applicant doesn’t have a state ID.
If the applicant passes the safety course, the state must issue the permit. They won’t get it if they are a convicted felon, awaiting trial, or have an arrest warrant.
Challenges and revocations
People can challenge a denied application in court. The state can also revoke the permit if the person no longer meets the conditions. Each year, the state will check if permit holders are still eligible.
The state patrol expects about 100,000 people to apply for permits each year to own a gun in Washington.
Costs of the program
The state patrol estimates the new program will cost $13.7 million in the next state budget. This amount will rise to nearly $20 million by 2027. Fees for fingerprinting and background checks will help cover the costs.
Rep. Cyndy Jacobsen, R-Puyallup, proposed delaying the new permit system. She wanted the state patrol to first set up a program to certify safety courses. This proposal was not accepted.
The bill now moves to the state Senate. It is part of a larger push to reduce gun violence. Other bills aim to limit where people can carry guns. They also focus on gun owners locking up their weapons and adding new rules for gun dealers.
Some bills include new limits on buying large amounts of guns and ammunition. There is also talk about an excise tax on guns and ammo, though that bill has stalled. On a positive note, senators unanimously voted to require one year of community custody for people convicted of unlawful firearm possession.
