The proposed bill aims to enhance public safety in Washington State by establishing financial responsibility requirements for individuals purchasing or possessing firearms. It introduces a new section to chapter 9.41 RCW, mandating that no person may purchase or possess a firearm unless they are insured under a firearm liability policy, self-insured, or covered by a certificate of deposit. The bill specifies that firearm liability policies must provide at least $25,000 of coverage per incident and must be obtained on a per-firearm basis. Additionally, it amends RCW 9.41.090 to require proof of compliance with these financial responsibility requirements before a dealer can deliver a firearm. Failure to provide such proof is classified as a class 1 civil infraction.

Moreover, the bill mandates that firearm range operators carry a general liability insurance policy with a minimum coverage of $1,000,000 per incident, classifying any violation of this requirement as a misdemeanor. It also outlines the process for depositing cash or securities to comply with financial responsibility requirements and includes the establishment of the "firearm financial responsibility account" for earnings distribution. The bill is set to take effect on January 1, 2027, with certain sections having different effective dates and provisions for implementation and expiration.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 9.41.090