The bill aims to strengthen firearm regulations in Washington State by instituting a permit requirement for firearm purchases. Applicants must complete a certified firearms safety training program within the last five years, which now includes live-fire shooting exercises to demonstrate safe handling and proficiency. The bill mandates that firearm dealers verify the eligibility of purchasers through background checks conducted by the Washington State Patrol, which will also maintain detailed records of firearm transactions. Additionally, the bill introduces new provisions for the revocation of firearm permits and concealed pistol licenses for individuals convicted of certain offenses, ensuring that law enforcement agencies promptly notify relevant authorities.

Significant amendments include the removal of gender-specific language and the establishment of a centralized firearms background check program managed by the Washington State Patrol. The bill requires dealers to maintain comprehensive records, respond to law enforcement requests, and report any loss or theft of firearms within 24 hours. It also mandates that all firearm sales records include the identification number of the purchaser's permit. Furthermore, the bill outlines an appeal process for individuals denied a firearms transfer due to background check results and specifies that all records related to these checks are exempt from public inspection. The act is set to take effect on May 1, 2027, unless specific funding is not provided by June 30, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 9.41.090, 9.41.1132, 43.43.590, 9.41.047, 9.41.041, 9.41.075, 9.41.097, 9.41.0975, 9.41.110, 9.41.129, 9.41.270, 7.105.350, 43.43.580
Substitute Bill: 9.41.090, 9.41.1132, 43.43.590, 9.41.047, 9.41.041, 9.41.075, 9.41.097, 9.41.0975, 9.41.110, 9.41.129, 9.41.270, 7.105.350, 43.43.580
Second Substitute: 9.41.090, 9.41.1132, 43.43.590, 9.41.047, 9.41.041, 9.41.075, 9.41.097, 9.41.0975, 9.41.110, 9.41.129, 9.41.270, 7.105.350, 43.43.580
Engrossed Second Substitute: 9.41.090, 9.41.1132, 43.43.590, 9.41.047, 9.41.041, 9.41.075, 9.41.097, 9.41.0975, 9.41.110, 9.41.129, 9.41.270, 7.105.350, 43.43.580
Bill as Passed Legislature: 9.41.090, 9.41.1132, 43.43.590, 9.41.047, 9.41.041, 9.41.075, 9.41.097, 9.41.0975, 9.41.110, 9.41.129, 9.41.270, 7.105.350, 43.43.580
Session Law: 9.41.090, 9.41.1132, 43.43.590, 9.41.047, 9.41.041, 9.41.075, 9.41.097, 9.41.0975, 9.41.110, 9.41.129, 9.41.270, 7.105.350, 43.43.580