The bill amends existing laws regarding the firearms background check program administered by the Washington State Patrol. It establishes a centralized system for dealers to conduct background checks for firearm sales or transfers, ensuring that the system includes features such as electronic communication, unique identifiers for inquiries, and measures for data integrity and confidentiality. The Washington State Patrol is tasked with conducting thorough checks against various databases to determine an applicant's eligibility to possess a firearm and must notify dealers promptly regarding the status of their requests.

Additionally, the bill modifies the fee structure for background checks, requiring that fees be set to cover the direct and indirect costs of administering the program, replacing the previous cap of eighteen dollars. It also establishes an appeals process for individuals denied a firearm transfer and mandates collaboration with the administrative office of the courts to access relevant records. The bill includes provisions for reporting the average time for background check decisions and exempts related records from public inspection. Notably, the new sections of the act will expire on May 1, 2027, while the subsequent section will take effect on the same date.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 43.43.580, 9.41.010