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OLYMPIA, WA — A new gun control bill, House Bill 1163, has been introduced in the Washington State Legislature, aiming to impose stricter regulations on firearm purchases and concealed pistol licenses. The bill, which would require a permit to purchase any firearm, extensive background checks, and mandatory safety training, mirrors a similar effort from last year—House Bill 1902—which failed to pass due to lack of support from rural Democrats in the state Senate.
HB 1163, sponsored by a group of Democratic lawmakers, expands Washington’s existing gun laws by mandating a permit-to-purchase system for all firearms, not just handguns and semi-automatic rifles. Under the bill, prospective gun buyers must complete a certified safety training course, undergo fingerprinting, and obtain a permit before making a purchase. The permit would need to be renewed every five years, and law enforcement agencies would be required to track permit holders and revoke permits if individuals become ineligible to own firearms.
The bill also imposes new restrictions on firearm dealers, including requirements for extensive record-keeping, surveillance, and storage measures. Additionally, it expands the state’s background check system, requiring more thorough reviews of mental health records and legal history before issuing purchase permits or concealed carry licenses.
Similarities to HB 1902 and Legislative Challenges
This legislation closely resembles HB 1902 from the 2023-24 session, which also sought to implement a permit-to-purchase system but ultimately failed to gain enough support in the state Senate. Rural Democrats, particularly those representing swing districts, opposed the measure due to concerns over its impact on law-abiding gun owners, particularly in areas where firearms are an integral part of local culture.
While Washington’s Democratic majority has successfully passed other gun control measures in recent years—including magazine capacity limits and a ban on the sale of certain semi-automatic rifles—the defeat of HB 1902 highlighted the difficulties of implementing a permit-to-purchase system in a politically divided state. Similar opposition could pose a significant hurdle for HB 1163 in the current session.
Implications for Gun Owners
If passed, HB 1163 would represent one of the most restrictive firearm purchasing systems in the country. It would place an undue burden on law-abiding gun owners, creating additional costs and bureaucratic obstacles without effectively addressing crime. Proponents claim the bill would close loopholes and enhance public safety by ensuring all gun buyers have undergone background checks and training before purchasing a firearm.
Gun rights advocates have vowed to challenge the legislation, arguing that it infringes on Second Amendment rights and disproportionately affects responsible gun owners rather than criminals. The bill’s fate will likely hinge on whether moderate Democrats in the Senate, particularly those in rural districts, are willing to support it after rejecting a nearly identical proposal last year.
Self-Defense Perspective
For those concerned about self-defense rights, HB 1163 could add significant delays and legal hurdles to firearm ownership, potentially leaving law-abiding citizens unable to quickly acquire a firearm for personal protection. In contrast, criminals, who typically acquire guns through illegal means, would not be impacted by the additional requirements. As the debate over HB 1163 unfolds, gun owners in Washington should stay informed and engaged in the legislative process to ensure their rights are protected.
