The proposed bill seeks to enhance public safety in Washington State by implementing stricter regulations on licensed firearms dealers. It amends existing laws, including RCW 9.41.100 and 9.41.110, and introduces new definitions related to firearms, such as "assault weapon" and "large capacity magazine." A significant change is the revised definition of "dealer," which now includes individuals or businesses engaged in the wholesale or retail sale of firearms and requires them to possess a federal firearms license. The bill also clarifies that casual sellers, defined as those selling 10 or fewer firearms in a 12-month period, are not considered dealers. Additionally, it mandates that dealers submit complete applications to the Washington State Patrol for background checks and inspections, report any theft of firearms, and maintain specific security measures.

Further provisions of the bill include new training requirements for dealers and their employees, emphasizing knowledge of state and federal laws and firearm safety. It introduces a liability insurance requirement for dealers, with a minimum coverage of $1,000,000 per incident, and establishes a firearm licensing account in the state treasury to manage licensing fees. The Washington State Patrol is granted authority to adopt rules for implementing these requirements and to report violations to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Overall, the bill aims to improve accountability and safety in the sale and transfer of firearms, ensuring that only qualified individuals operate as dealers while providing mechanisms for oversight and enforcement.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 9.41.100, 9.41.110
Substitute Bill: 9.41.100, 9.41.110