A new gun safety bill that would require Washington residents to obtain a state-issued permit before purchasing a firearm is one step away from becoming law.
On Tuesday, the Washington House approved final amendments to House Bill 1163, sending the legislation to Governor Bob Ferguson for consideration. The measure, passed with a 57-39 vote, mandates that prospective gun buyers secure a five-year permit through the Washington State Patrol. Applicants would need to complete certified firearms safety training within the last five years and pay an associated fee.
The bill includes exemptions for licensed armed security guards and private investigators. Additionally, the effective date has been pushed back to May 2027 to allow for statewide implementation.
Democratic lawmakers, including Rep. Liz Berry of Seattle, championed the bill as a life-saving measure. “Permit-to-purchase systems save lives,” Berry stated during floor debate. “They keep firearms out of the wrong hands, reduce access to black markets, and ultimately prevent crime.” She cited research suggesting Washington could have avoided up to 250 homicides and nearly 1,000 suicides in the past decade if such a policy had been in place.
Opponents of the bill, primarily Republican lawmakers, voiced concerns about its constitutionality and effectiveness. Rep. Jim Walsh of Aberdeen criticized the legislation, calling it “unconstitutional” and doubting its ability to prevent violent crimes. “This is no guarantee that one murder, assault, or suicide will be prevented,” he said.
Washington is poised to join over a dozen other states that have enacted similar permit-to-purchase laws—measures that have largely withstood judicial scrutiny across the country.
Under the proposed system, the Washington State Patrol would be required to approve permit applications within 30 days, or 60 days for applicants lacking a state-issued ID. Permits would be denied only if the applicant is legally prohibited from owning firearms, is out on bail for felony charges, or is subject to an arrest warrant.
Officials anticipate a high demand for the permits, estimating around 100,000 applications annually. To handle the workload, the state patrol plans to hire over 40 employees. A fiscal report projects the program will cost nearly $20 million during the 2027-2029 budget cycle, with revenue from fingerprinting and background check fees expected to generate up to $31 million in the same period.
Governor Ferguson, a vocal advocate of gun control, is expected to review the bill in the coming days.
