Washington Legislators Weigh Gun Permit System While Ammunition Tax Proposal Stalls

Washington state lawmakers are currently deliberating on implementing a permit-to-purchase framework for firearms and restricting gun presence in child-frequented public spaces, though several proposed measures – including a controversial new tax on firearms and ammunition – have failed to advance in the current legislative session.

The legislature has reviewed multiple potential regulations that advocates claim are designed to reduce gun violence across the state. Critics argue these measures would primarily impact law-abiding gun owners and potentially violate constitutional protections at both state and federal levels.

While some bills have successfully passed through their respective chambers, several proposals failed to clear committee hurdles, including a significant 11% tax targeting ammunition and firearm sales.

Jeremy Ball, who owns Sharpshooting Indoor Range and Gun Shop, expressed relief about the tax failure, noting it could have been "very detrimental to the industry, and my business specifically."

Another unsuccessful proposal would have limited bulk purchases of firearms and ammunition, which didn't advance beyond the House committee stage.

Additional proposed legislation included secure storage requirements for firearms in vehicles and homes, which supporters argued would prevent access in cases of accidental shootings, domestic violence, and suicide situations. Opponents expressed concerns that the universal approach might unnecessarily restrict gun owners who live alone or don't have children.

This proposal would require prospective buyers to obtain a permit before purchasing a firearm and demonstrate completion of firearms training, among other requirements.

Ball described this bill as his primary concern, citing the centralization of firearms licensing with the Washington State Patrol rather than local authorities. He also expressed apprehension about new live-fire training mandates potentially creating bottlenecks at firing ranges and with state agencies.

"Without a massive, massive, investment from Washington state in order to develop these programs and execute them, it's going to be at an extreme cost," Ball stated. "And the premise of them doesn't really make sense anyways."

During Saturday's House floor discussion, Rep. Liz Berry (D-Seattle) advocated for the proposal amid growing concerns about firearm safety in recent years.

"It doesn't have to be this way," Berry remarked. "We know that this policy works."

Berry argued the legislation would help prevent firearms from reaching inappropriate hands, noting that 12 other states have enacted similar measures.

"These laws save lives," she emphasized.

Offering an opposing perspective during the same debate, Rep. Hunter Abell (R-Inchelium) suggested the bill might drive constituents to leave the state, referencing a conversation with a resident who indicated this legislation could motivate relocation to Idaho.

"I believe that this bill is bad for a number of reasons," Abell stated. "I believed it was bad before the conversation with my constituent, I believe that even more so now."

Abell further characterized the bill as problematic "as a cultural matter" and inconsistent with his district's values.

The bill has now been referred to the Senate Law and Justice Committee, though as of Friday afternoon, no hearing had been scheduled.

Legislators are also evaluating a bill to limit open carry of firearms in areas "where children are likely to be present," including playgrounds, zoos, transit centers, county fairgrounds during public operations, and certain government buildings.

The proposal would mandate warning signage where weapons are prohibited.

Sen. Javier Valdez (D-Seattle), the bill's sponsor, emphasized that the proposal focuses on ensuring family safety in common gathering areas.

"No one should have to think twice about their safety when taking their kids to the park or attending a local fair," Valdez stated. "This bill is about keeping our communities safe, preventing unnecessary tragedies, and ensuring that public spaces remain places of joy and connection – not fear."

Sen. Jeff Holy (R-Cheney) acknowledged the efforts of his Democratic colleagues but ultimately opposed the proposal, arguing it would primarily affect law-abiding gun owners.

"Lawful gun owners are not the problem," Holy said. "To ask us to believe that the people that we don't want to have guns or be in those locations will honor a sign or honor a law, I think we have been battle-hardened enough, all of us, to realize that's not the case."

Holy contended the bill attempted to make "something that is already illegal even more illegal."

The bill is scheduled for review in the House Civil Rights and Judiciary Committee on Tuesday.