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