WA state government grows more expensive

Last week, Gov. Bob Ferguson signed the state’s new two-year operating budget into law. The $78 billion spending plan contains nearly $10 billion in new and increased taxes and fees, and represents the fourth consecutive operating budget that spends more than predicted revenue collections. It raises spending by $6 billion – an 8% increase – at a time when we have a budget shortfall. 

The result, the unsustainable budgeting in Olympia continues.

Taxes
As part of their record tax and fee increases, the majority party got very creative and found new ways to dip into your wallet.

• HB 2049 | Property tax spikes: 55% increase of local school district property tax levy authority.  
• SB 5801 | Gas and transportation taxes: Increases in gas taxes, additional license fees, and more.  
• HB 2081 | Business tax increases: Across-the-board business tax increases and additional punitive business tax surcharges on certain industries.  
• SB 5814 | Sales tax expansion: Applies sales tax to critical business services, including temporary staffing, digital services, and security services, and applies tobacco taxes to nicotine products.  
• SB 5813 | Capital gains income and death taxes: Increases tax rates for the capital gains income and estate taxes.  
• HB 2077 | Tesla tax: Punitive excise taxes on the sale or banking of zero-emission credits held by Tesla.  
• SB 5794 | Eliminating tax incentives: Eliminates tax incentives for gold and bullion, low-income energy credits, and storage spaces.  
• SB 5390 | Discover Pass: 50% hike in the cost of a Discover Pass.  
• SB 5583 | Hunting and fishing licenses: 38% fee increase for a hunting and fishing license.  
• SB 5083 | Insurance premiums: Shifts health care costs from state employees to working families ($1,400 per year/family of four).  
• HB 2061 | Concession fees: 10% tax on duty-free stores.  
• SB 5786 | Liquor license fees: Increases in the cost of liquor licenses for grocers, restaurants, bars, and more.  
• HB 1858 | Document recording fees: Applies document recording fees to substitutions or assignments of deeds of trust.  
• HB 1488 | Another property tax increase: Conservation district property tax increase.  
• HB 2015 | Another sales tax increase: Local sales and use tax increase. 
• HB 1392 | Another insurance premium increase: Additional taxes on private health insurance.  
• HB 2003 | Another fishing license increase: Enhanced fee on salmon fishing. 

A state budget is about priorities. The majority party chose to cut support for single parents, the aged, blind, disabled, and crime victims. Instead, they prioritized things like:

• Giving six weeks of unemployment benefits to striking workers
• Paying $154 million for non-citizen healthcare
• Giving $4 million in grants to activist groups
• Retaining DEI funding
• Funding for a study on reparations in Washington state

In the end, taxes were raised, other dedicated accounts were robbed, priorities were misplaced, and we’re almost guaranteed to be looking at another significant budget hole next biennium, because state government has not been right-sized.

The continued assault on our Second Amendment rights continues in Olympia. The governor signed HB 1163 into law. The bill requires a “permit to purchase” a firearm in Washington state beginning on May 1, 2027. The five-year permit requirements include an extensive background check and proof of a recent firearms training course. The details of this approved “training course” have not yet been set. There are serious concerns about where those courses will be held and how much they will cost. Will rural areas have access to these courses? Will the “supply” of these courses meet the “demand” as people seek to exercise their rights? Time will tell.

 -- Brian Burnett, 12th Legislative District, WA

Permit required to buy a firearm in WA

On Tuesday, May 20th, Governor Bob Ferguson signed House Bill 1163, instituting a "permit to purchase" scheme for the purchase and transfer of firearms. The permitting system will take effect on May 1st, 2027, if fully funded by June 30, 2025.

House Bill 1163 establishes a permit to purchase scheme requiring government permission to purchase or transfer a firearm, adds a live-fire training component, and establishes an illegal government registry of firearm owners and their personal information. 

Permits will need to be renewed every 5 years. This law will do nothing to address Washington’s crime problem, but it will make firearm ownership nearly unobtainable, both practically and financially. 

HB 1163 passed with a strict party-line vote. All Democrats voted for HB 1163, no Republican voted for HB 1163.

2025 Washingtom State legislature really messes up.

The 2025 episode of the Washington State legislature has truly screwed up our way of life and chances for prosperity.

 

After voting to shut the public out of the budget process the Democrats
Increased property tax
Increased gasoline tax 

~~~~

The Democrats' budget cuts
Cut childcare
Cut domestic violence prevention programs
Cut college tuition aid
Cut supports to state & local fairs

Increases fishing and hunting licenses by 38%,
Increases the Discover Pass fee 50%
.
And we got
"Rent stabilization" which is  exactly the from of rent control that made rentals so expensive  (and small) in places like New York City and San Francisco.
Gun regulations that effectively ban private firearms
Massive taxes and shrinking rental availability - Democrats gave us this mess.

Do not vote for Democrats.

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Update: Gov Bob Ferguson just revealed his ulterior motive for signing rent control into law.  Ferguson tweeted:

"One of my administration’s top priorities is making it easier to build housing of all kinds. Senate Bill 5611 helps address the state’s housing shortage by reducing permitting timelines. This will ultimately reduce the cost of development projects, making it easier to build. Thank you to prime sponsor Sen. Jesse Salomon and the Legislature’s unanimous support."

@GovBobFerguson

Ferguson choose to side with big corporations who can build sterile new apartments complexes.  You see, new construction is exempt from rent control for ten years.

Washington State rent control

Politicians pretend renters are getting scalped in a skirmish of class warfare.  They spread that viewpoint 'cause it can give them power over housing. That means they get very intimate control over lives.

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Sen. Keith Goehner, R-Dryden, and lead Republican on the Senate Housing Committee, issued this statement:

House Bill 1217

Let’s call it what it is: House Bill 1217 is price control, plain and simple. And price control has a long, proven track record of failure. This bill would impose arbitrary caps on rent increases, penalize housing providers with excessive regulations and fines, and ultimately reduce the supply of affordable housing in Washington.

Housing affordability is about supply, not politics. We’ve seen it nationwide: when housing gets built, rent comes down. In places like Austin, Atlanta, and Phoenix, where construction has surged, rents have declined. But this bill does nothing to build more homes. It drives builders away from the state.

The message is clear: price control plus uncapped property tax increases equals higher costs and less housing. It’s a recipe for disaster.

Most landlords in this state aren’t big corporations  they’re families trying to make ends meet, people who’ve invested in a duplex or a rental home. When you cap their income but not their costs, they’re forced to defer maintenance, sell their properties, or leave the rental business entirely.

Washington doesn’t need more bureaucracy. We need more housing. This bill is about short-term posturing at the expense of long-term stability and prosperity. I strongly oppose HB 1217 and will continue fighting for policies that grow opportunity, protect renters, and keep our communities strong.

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The legislature passed this bill and it is on the Governor's desk for his signature or veto. If you wish to urge the Gov. Ferguson to veto HB 1217, use this link https://governor.wa.gov/contacting-governor/contacting-governors-office/send-gov-ferguson-e-message

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

UPDATE on WA 2025–26 Proposed Firearm Legislation

Several new bills that have been under consideration:

1. Permit to Purchase Firearms (HB 1163) has been passed and is on the governor's desk.

• Requirements: Applicants must complete certified firearm safety training within the past five years, undergo fingerprinting, and pass a background check,
• Permit Validity: Five years,
• Issuance Timeline: Within 30 days (or 60 days without state ID),
• Status: On Governor’s Desk. Call or email now!

2. Bulk Purchase Limits (HB 1132)

• Firearms: Limits purchases to one firearm per 30-day period,
• Ammunition: Caps at 100 rounds of .50 caliber or 1,000 rounds of other calibers per month,
• Status: Did not advance past the legislative deadline.
• More than likely will be brought back next session

3. Secure Storage Requirements (HB 1152)

• Mandate: Requires firearms to be securely stored in homes and vehicles,
• Penalties: Range from civil infractions to felonies if unsecured firearms lead to injury,
• Status: Did not advance past the legislative deadline.
• More than likely will be brought back next session

4. Firearm and Ammunition Excise Tax (HB 1386)

• Tax Rate: 11% on sales of firearms and ammunition,
• Exemptions: Law enforcement and military personnel,​
• Revenue Use: Funds allocated to gun violence prevention programs,
• Status: Did not advance past the legislative deadline.
• More than likely will be brought back next session

5. Expanded Open-Carry Restrictions (SB 5098)

• Provisions: Prohibits open carry in areas frequented by children, such as playgrounds, zoos, and transit centers.,
• Status: Did not advance past the legislative deadline.
• More than likely will be brought back next session

6. Enhanced Dealer Regulations (SB 5099)

• Requirements: Imposes stricter security measures, mandatory employee training, and annual inspections for firearm dealers.​
• Status: Did not advance past the legislative deadline. ​
• More than likely will be brought back next session

WA - New tax blitz coming against working families and job creators

Washington Senate Democrats introduced a set of sweeping tax proposals totaling more than $12 billion, despite Senate Republicans presenting a balanced budget with no tax increases (SB 5810).

These proposed taxes continue to put us down the path of unsustainable spending. The state has experienced unanticipated increases in revenue collection. However, the majority budget proposal represents an unrealistic expansion of government, requiring additional revenue. These tax proposals will drive small businesses and families out of Washington, further declining Washington’s competitiveness and the companies that generate the bulk of our revenue.

The proposals were heard yesterday, April 16th, in the Senate Ways & Means Committee, and are scheduled for a committee vote tomorrow morning. The full Senate will take up the proposals as early as Saturday.

This package represents a dramatic shift in Washington tax policy, targeting everything from job creation, to innovation, to family savings.

I wanted to highlight a few of these proposals and give you my take on them.

On SB 5815 – Business Tax Increases

This bill doesn’t reward success — it penalizes it. The majority seems to want to punish you if you’re creating jobs or innovating in Washington. This will continue to drive economic development out of our state. 

On SB 5814 – Sales Tax Increase

In one of the more creative proposals, the majority is trying to collect sales tax on certain businesses before they make the retail sale. This requires businesses to estimate their future sales to pay taxes now to help balance the state budget. This tax shift will cause budgeting issues in the future.

On SB 5813 - Capital Gains & Estate Tax Hikes

This will affect homeowners and renters alike and the increase goes against a long-standing voter approved initiative. When combined with the proposed rent control legislation, and continued limitation on property rights, we will keep pushing folks out of their homes and rentals.

On SB 5812 – Property Tax Increases

This will affect homeowners and renters alike. This increase goes against a voter approved initiative. Combine this with the proposed rent control legislation and continued limitation on property rights, we will keep pushing folks out of their homes and rentals.

On SB 5811 – EV Credit Tax

For the last few years, the majority party has been incentivizing people to purchase electric vehicles, and mandated manufacturers to sell more EVs or buy credits. Now we’re punishing the behavior we encouraged. This tax is focused on one EV manufacturer and will be passed on to consumers, increasing the cost.

None of these proposals are necessary because we have sufficient revenue to support the essential functions of government without requiring tax increases. The $ave Washington Budget that Senate Republicans released over a month ago demonstrates that we do not need higher taxes. We need government accountability. In a time when families face challenges due to inflation and small businesses struggle to survive, our priority should be to provide relief and stability to the people of Washington.

 

-- Sen. Keith Goehner (R-12LD)

WA State permit to purchase fireams bill Update April 15

House Bill 1163 establishes a permit to purchase scheme requiring government permission to purchase or transfer a firearm, adds a live-fire training component, and establishes an illegal government registry of firearm owners and their personal information. This bill will do nothing to address Washington’s crime problem, but it will make firearm ownership nearly unobtainable practically and financially. 

Please contact your Representative and urge them to OPPOSE HB 1163 by using the TAKE ACTION button below, and contact the general legislative number at 1-800-562-6000 to voice your opposition to this egregious bill!

 More gun control bills are still on the move. Please stay tuned

WA state anti-gun rights bills

On Friday, April 4th, two anti-gun bills will be heard simultaneously in separate committees; SB 5098, "gun & knife free" zone expansion, will be heard in the House Appropriations Committee, and HB 1163, a permit to purchase scheme, will be heard in the Senate Ways & Means Committee.

Please consider submitting testimony AGAINST SB 5098 and HB 1163, and use the TAKE ACTION button below to contact members of the committee directly and urge them to OPPOSE these bills!

Senate Bill 5098 prohibits the possession of firearms and knives in parks, government buildings, and locations where “children are likely to be present.” While the legislation was amended to exempt concealed pistol license holders, the vague language could be interpreted and applied to interfere with hunting and recreational shooting opportunities. This overbroad language is indicative of the disdain anti-gun legislators have for law-abiding citizens and their desire to turn the entire state of Washington into a "gun-free" zone. 

House Bill 1163 establishes a permit to purchase scheme requiring government permission to purchase or transfer a firearm, adds a live-fire training component, and establishes an illegal government registry of firearm owners and their personal information. An amendment was added in the House Appropriations Committee that if funding is not appropriated for HB 1163's permit scheme by June 30th, 2025, the bill will be null and void. 

But the Democrats are attempting to add nearly $2,800 to the annual tax bill for every citizen of the state... so you know what that means.

It means we fight for freedom!

Washington state to require permits to buy a gun?

Washington state legislature's House Bill 1163 establishes a permit to purchase scheme requiring government permission to purchase or transfer a firearm, adds a live-fire training component, and establishes an illegal government registry of firearm owners and their personal information. An amendment was added in the House Appropriations Committee that if funding is not appropriated for HB 1163's permit scheme by June 30th, 2025, the bill will be null and void.

On Tuesday, March 25^th, the Senate Committee on Law & Justice will hold a hearing on House Bill 1163, creating a permit to purchase scheme in Washington state. The hearing is scheduled to begin at 8:00 a.m.

Please submit testimony through the State Legislature Website and register your position as "Con", and please use the TAKE ACTION button below to contact members of the committee directly to urge them to OPPOSE HB 1163!

Anti-gun radicals in the legislature seem to be emboldened by the recent appellate court decision in Oregon regarding their permit-to-purchase scheme, despite other challenges against permit-to-purchase laws pending in the courts. 

Your advocacy can and will make the difference!

Prohibiting guns where "children are likely to be present"

Senate Bill 5098 would prohibit possession of firearms in parks, government buildings, and locations where "children are likely to be present."   

Where children are likely to be present....  What exactly does that mean?  It means whatever they want it to mean.

While the legislation was amended to exempt concealed pistol license holders, the vague language could be interpreted and applied to interfere with hunting and recreational shooting opportunities. This overbroad language indicates the disdain anti-gun legislators have for law-abiding citizens and their desire to turn the entire state of Washington into a "gun-free" zone. 

On Tuesday, March 18th, the House Committee on Civil Rights & Judiciary will hold a public hearing on Senate Bill 5098, a gun-free zone expansion bill. The hearing has been set for 10:30AM.

Please  submit testimony in opposition of this bill and register your position as "Con" through the House Committee website. Additionally, contact members of the committee directly by using the TAKE ACTION button below and urge them to OPPOSE SB 5098!

 Article I: Declaration of Rights, § 24, of the Washington State Constitution states, "The right of the individual citizen to bear arms in defense of himself, or the state, shall not be impaired, but nothing in this section shall be construed as authorizing individuals or corporations to organize, maintain or employ an armed body of men."

US Constitution, Amendment 2, "A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed."

Washington State Gun Control Bills going to the House Floor

Three gun control bills have been sent to the House Rules Committee.  From there they can
can be advanced to the House floor for a vote at any time. 

HB 1132 restricts firearm purchases to 1 gun every 30 days and places arbitrary restrictions on the purchase of ammunition by law-abiding citizens. Violations by licensed firearms dealers is punishable by forfeiture of their license.

HB 1152 requires mandatory locked storage of firearms separately from ammunition in vehicles and within your own home.

HB 1163 establishes a permit to purchase scheme requiring government permission to purchase or transfer a firearm, adds a live-fire training component, and establishes an illegal government registry of firearm owners and their personal information. An amendment was added in the Appropriations Committee that if funding is not appropriated for HB 1163's permit scheme by June 30th, 2025, the bill will be null and void.

The State of Washington is facing a $12 billion deficit. HB 1163’s fiscal note estimates that passage of this bill will cost the state more than $20 million the state does not have to spend. 

Law-abiding firearm owners will continue to be the only ones impacted by another gun-control law in Washington. Washington State Police data shows that the firearms used in crimes originate from three main sources – theft, illicit sources, and straw-purchases, all of which are already illegal means. HB 1163 is another solution in search of a problem, placing additional burdens on the law-abiding while doing nothing to address Washington’s escalating crime problem.

Take action - Contact your lawmakers and tell them to vote no on these three bills.

Click Here for the easy to use form.

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On Wednesday, March 5th, Senate Bill 5098 was passed on the Senate floor by a vote of 28-21. It will now be transmitted to the House for consideration.

Senate Bill 5098 prohibits the possession of firearms in parks, government buildings, and locations where “children are likely to be present.” While the legislation was amended to exempt concealed pistol license holders, the vague language could be interpreted and applied to interfere with hunting and recreational shooting opportunities. This overbroad language is indicative of the disdain anti-gun legislators have for law-abiding citizens and their desire to turn the entire state of Washington into a "gun-free" zone. 

Anti-gun Democrats voted down common sense amendments, including a requirement that the Department of Commerce publish a list of locations where firearms are banned under the bill and providing for an affirmative defense for otherwise lawfully carrying firearms where “gun free zone” signage is not posted, as required under the bill.

 

 

WA state anti-private housing legislation

 Sorry for the messy format and general disorder, but we have until Monday to object to this one.

Testify in the House Housing Committee in OPPOSITION of HB 1915

Sign in Opposition to Major Changes to RLTA & MHLTA

House Bill 1915 aims to strengthen tenant protections under the Residential Landlord-Tenant Act and the Manufactured/Mobile Home Landlord-Tenant Act in Washington State. The bill introduces major changes that limit housing providers’ ability to manage tenancies, increase eviction restrictions, and impose new financial burdens on rental property owners.

We need you to attend the Hearing and join us for this fight.  Your presence is critical. Lawmakers need to see that housing providers, builders, and advocates across Washington are united in opposition to this harmful legislation.

 

If you haven't already signed up in opposition to stating CON, please do so now! (see below) | HB 1915 Hearing – Monday, February 17 at 1:30 p.m.

 

House Housing Committee Hearing on Monday, February 17 at 1:30 pm

John L. O’Brien Building Room C

 

§  Testify in-person, click here

§  Testify virtually, click here

§  To Submit written testimony, click here

§  To Provide opposition to be noted for the legislative record, click here

 

Sponsors: Representatives Richards, Thomas, Simmons, Scott, Parshley, Pollet, Hill

HB 1915 Tenant Protection Legislation Key Provisions

 

1.      Severe Restrictions on Ending Tenancies

      Housing providers cannot terminate a periodic or month-to-month tenancy without “just cause.”

       For fixed-term leases, housing providers must provide 60 days’ written notice before the end of the lease to terminate tenancy, and they may only do so if specific conditions are met.

       After a lease ends, the tenancy automatically converts to a month-to-month agreement, further restricting the housing provider’s ability to regain possession of the property.

 

2.      Prolonged Eviction Process with Expanded Tenant Defenses

       Nonpayment of Rent Evictions:

o   Extends the required notice for eviction from 14 days to 30 days for properties with federally backed mortgages or subsidies.

o   Allows tenants to raise habitability complaints as a defense in nonpayment eviction cases, even if unrelated to rent owed.

     

Lease Violations:

• Housing providers must issue a detailed 10-day notice to cure violations before eviction, including the exact date and time of the alleged violation and identities of involved parties.

Owner Move-In or Property Sale:

• Requires a 90-day notice if the owner or immediate family intends to move in.
• The housing provider must occupy the unit for at least 60 consecutive days, or face legal challenges.
• If selling a single-family home, the property must be listed within 30 days of tenant vacating and remain on the market for at least 90 days, or the housing provider is presumed to have acted in bad faith.

 

3.      Expanded Rights for Tenants Even After a Lease Ends

       If a tenant permanently vacates, remaining occupants must be allowed to apply for tenancy rather than vacate.

       Housing providers must screen remaining occupants like new applicants, but if they fail to apply or are denied, eviction is required to reclaim the unit

 

4.      Mandatory Mediation & Tenant Protections in Court

       Tenants can request mediation to delay eviction proceedings.

       Courts can stay a writ of restitution for up to six months if the tenant claims financial hardship, regardless of unpaid rent or prior lease violations.

 

5.      Severe Financial Penalties for Housing Providers

       Wrongful Eviction Penalties:

• Housing providers who attempt to remove a tenant without legal justification face penalties of up to three times the monthly rent, plus legal fees.
• Predatory Rent Increase Definition:
  • Courts can consider a rent increase as an illegal eviction tactic if deemed “predatory” or excessive.
• Financial Liability in Mobile Home Park Closures:
  • If a housing provider closes or repurposes a mobile home park, they must provide: 
    • $15,000 in relocation assistance for a multi-section home or $10,000 for a single-section home.
  • Compensation of at least 50% of the assessed value of the home or $5,000 (whichever is greater).
  • Housing providers remain financially responsible for removing abandoned mobile homes after tenant vacates.

Talking Points in Strong Opposition to HB 1915

1.      Severe Restrictions on Property Rights

• HB 1915 strips housing providers of control over their own properties by limiting when and how they can terminate leases—even after the contractual term ends.
• Converting all leases to month-to-month agreements unless specific conditions are met forces housing providers into indefinite tenancies against their will.

2.      Creates Uncertainty & Financial Risk for Housing Providers

• Housing providers cannot plan for future use of their property when tenancies become indefinite.
• Unnecessary legal risks—such as penalties for failing to meet vague “good faith” move-in rules—make renting a high-risk, low-reward endeavor.

3.      Incentivizes Nonpayment of Rent & Lease Violations

• Expanding habitability complaints as a defense to nonpayment of rent encourages abuse and allows tenants to delay rent indefinitely.
• The longer notice requirements (30-90 days) give delinquent tenants more time to remain in a unit without paying.

4.      Unfair Burden on Small-Scale Housing Providers

• Small housing providers rely on timely rent payments to cover property expenses. Prolonged eviction processes force them into financial distress.
• Mandatory mediation, extended court delays, and required tenant screening of remaining occupants make operations burdensome.

5.      Harms Rental Housing Market & Drives Up Costs

• By making it more difficult to remove problem tenants, housing providers will:
  • Raise rents preemptively to offset legal risks.
  • Increase security deposit requirements, pricing out low-income renters.
  • Tighten tenant screening, making it harder for renters with lower credit or rental history to qualify.

6.      Severe Financial Penalties Make Rental Housing Risky

• HB 1915 makes housing providers financially liable for tenant complaints, wrongful eviction claims, and potential “predatory” rent increases.
• Housing providers are forced to provide large payouts when closing or repurposing mobile home parks—even when complying with existing laws.

 

7.      Will Reduce Rental Housing Supply

• Stricter tenant protections discourage new rental investment. Housing providers may opt to sell their properties or convert them into non-rental uses, further worsening the housing shortage.

 

HB 1915 is a one-sided, anti-housing provider bill that severely limits property rights, increases legal risks, and discourages investment in rental housing. While intended to protect tenants, it ultimately drives up housing costs, reduces availability, and creates unfair burdens on responsible housing providers.

 

Please note that you must sign in 1 hour before the hearing to testify or provide a position to be placed on the legislative record.

After the hearing, you have 24 hours to submit written testimony.

WA Property Tax Increase

The left in the Washington state legislature is always greedy, looking for more ways to take our money.

HB1334  is their latest scheme to raise the annual property tax rate increase to 1% per year to 3%.  That doesn't sound like much until you realize that will allow property tax increases of 9.3% in 3 years.

The present annual property tax increase rate was established with the passage of Initiative 747 in 2001.

Do you want to live with this tax increase?  Make your voice heard.  HB1334 page is https://app.leg.wa.gov/BillSummary/?BillNumber=1334&Year=2025.  Links are on that page for comments and information.

Gun Owners Financial Discrimination and Insurance Mandate Introduced in Olympia

Washington State legislature introduced legislation that requires gun owners show they have "financial responsibility" and liability insurance.

Washington anti-gun legislators continue their attack on law-abiding gun owners by introducing legislation to move the goal posts on lawful gun ownership. Last week, House Bill 1504 was introduced, requiring gun owners prove they are "financially responsible" to own firearms by maintaining liability insurance or face civil penalties. This misguided legislation amounts to an ongoing tax to exercise your inherent right to self-defense. 

Please contact your legislators NOW by using the TAKE ACTION button below, and urge them to OPPOSE this discriminatory bill!

 

HB 1504 requires individuals to prove they are "financially responsible" by obtaining and maintaining liability insurance or a bond before purchasing or possessing a firearm. The legislation lays out the coverage amounts, requiring at least $25,000 in coverage per incident of “accidental discharge causing death, injury or property damage,” and gun ranges to carry $1 million of general liability insurance. Individuals can "self-insure" but must carry $25,000 in coverage for each firearm. Excluding ordinary citizens and limiting this basic constitutional right to only the wealthiest Washingtonians. Failure to comply with this mandate amounts to a Class 1 civil infraction and monetary fines. 

The glaring gap of this legislation is the fact that criminals will not comply with the mandate, nor could their illegal acts ever be covered under any insurance policy.

Olympia's gun control plans

Today, January 13^th, the Washington Legislature convened for the 2025 session. Multiple gun control bills were pre-filed for the session, including Senate Bill 5098, a "gun-free zone" bill, which has a committee hearing tomorrow morning.

Other anti-gun bills to keep an eye on this session are:

1. HB 1163 & SB 5140 are companion bills for a permit to purchase scheme, enhancing requirements relating to purchase, transfer, and possession of firearms.
2. HB 1132 creates arbitrary waiting periods for firearms and ammunition.
3. HB 1152 implements storage requirements in vehicles and residences.
   
4. SB 5099 implements additional FFL requirements – a piggy-back on last year's "FFL killer" bill, that includes requirements for steel bars, lighting, insurance requirements and tests for employees (that has yet to be developed), and insurance mandates for businesses.