This bill seeks to modernize Washington state laws by replacing the term "alien" with "noncitizen" across various statutes, codes, and official documents, effective for all state and local government documents enacted after July 1, 2026. It encourages the review and revision of existing documents to eliminate the outdated terminology and reaffirms the use of "Asian" instead of "Oriental" when referring to individuals of Asian descent. The bill amends several sections of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW), including provisions related to legal proceedings, victims of crime, and compensation eligibility, ensuring that noncitizens are treated fairly and inclusively within the legal framework.

Additionally, the bill addresses firearms regulations by updating definitions and clarifying terms related to firearm ownership and licensing, particularly for noncitizens. It establishes a clear process for obtaining concealed pistol licenses, including provisions for military personnel and the issuance of temporary emergency licenses. The bill also emphasizes the importance of maintaining consistent application processes and prohibits local governments from altering the requirements set forth in the legislation. Overall, the bill aims to enhance inclusivity, public safety, and the regulation of firearms while modernizing legal language to reflect contemporary understanding of citizenship.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 1.20.130, 4.16.210, 7.68.030, 7.68.077, 7.68.094, 9.41.010, 9.41.070, 9.41.0975, 9.41.121, 9.41.129, 9.41.171, 9.41.175, 9.94A.685, 13.50.260, 18.165.030, 18.170.030, 18.185.250, 19.220.010, 28A.300.390, 28A.300.395, 41.32.240, 51.04.030, 51.32.110, 51.32.130, 51.32.140, 64.16.005, 64.16.140, 71.05.620, 72.09.560, 72.25.010, 72.23.010, 74.04.805, 43.185C.230