Washington's New Firearm Legislation: Governor Ferguson Enacts Permit-to-Purchase System

Landmark Bill Signed into Law

Governor Bob Ferguson has officially signed House Bill 1163 into law on Tuesday, May 20th, establishing a comprehensive permit-to-purchase framework for firearm acquisitions and transfers in Washington state. This significant change to Washington's firearm regulations introduces a new system requiring prospective gun owners to obtain permits before purchasing or transferring firearms.

Implementation Timeline and Funding Contingency

Effective Date Dependent on Funding

The permitting system established by HB 1163 is scheduled to take effect on May 1, 2027. However, this implementation is contingent upon the legislation receiving full funding allocation by June 30, 2025. Without secured funding by this deadline, the implementation could face delays or modifications.

Key Components of House Bill 1163

Permit Requirements for Firearm Transactions

House Bill 1163 fundamentally changes how firearms are acquired in Washington by establishing a permitting system that requires government authorization prior to the purchase or transfer of any firearm within state boundaries.

Training Mandates

The legislation includes a mandatory live-fire training component that must be completed by applicants seeking to obtain a purchase permit.

Registry System and Data Collection

The law establishes a centralized registry system that will maintain records of firearm owners along with their personal information.

Permit Renewal Process

Under the new legislation, permits will require renewal every five years, creating an ongoing obligation for firearm owners to maintain their legal status to possess firearms.

Perspectives on the Legislation

Critics of the bill contend that the new requirements will create substantial practical and financial barriers to firearm ownership without effectively addressing crime concerns in Washington state. They argue that the permitting process, combined with training requirements and registry creation, will make firearm ownership significantly more challenging for law-abiding citizens.

Proponents of the legislation have positioned it as a public safety measure designed to ensure proper vetting of individuals seeking to purchase firearms.

The law represents one of the most substantial changes to Washington's firearm regulations in recent years, establishing a framework that significantly alters the process for obtaining firearms in the state.