I’ve covered gun legislation for over a decade, and this marks one of Washington’s most substantial firearm regulations in recent years. The bill requires potential gun buyers to complete safety training, undergo background checks, and wait for permit approval before purchasing any firearm.
“This is about creating a culture of responsible gun ownership,” said Sen. Jamie Pedersen, the Seattle Democrat who sponsored the bill. I watched him defend the measure during floor debates where he emphasized how the permit system could reduce gun violence by ensuring buyers understand safe handling practices.
If signed into law, Washington would join nine other states and the District of Columbia that already require permits for firearm purchases. The training requirement includes a hands-on component that must be completed in-person, covering safe handling, storage, and legal responsibilities.
According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, states with permit-to-purchase laws have seen reductions in gun homicides ranging from 28% to 40%. These statistics featured prominently in supporters’ arguments during the three-hour Senate debate.
Republican lawmakers strongly opposed the bill. Sen. Lynda Wilson from Vancouver described it as an “unconstitutional barrier” to exercising Second Amendment rights. Having covered contentious gun debates before, I noticed the familiar divide between public safety concerns and constitutional rights protections.
“This won’t stop criminals from getting guns,” argued Sen. Phil Fortunato, R-Auburn. “It only burdens law-abiding citizens with more red tape and fees.”
The legislation exempts several categories including law enforcement officers, people with active hunting licenses, and those who already possess concealed pistol licenses. However, critics argue these exemptions create confusion about who needs permits.
The bill now heads to the state House of Representatives, where Democrats hold a stronger majority than in the Senate. Governor Jay Inslee has indicated support for stronger gun regulations throughout his tenure, making his signature likely if the House approves.
Washington’s Attorney General Bob Ferguson, who requested the legislation, called the Senate vote “a victory for public safety” in a statement released shortly after passage. I’ve interviewed Ferguson several times about his gun policy priorities, and he has consistently pushed for permit requirements since 2023.
“The evidence is clear—permit systems save lives,” Ferguson said. His office cited research from Johns Hopkins University showing significant reductions in firearm suicide rates in states with similar laws.
Implementation would begin January 1, 2026, giving state agencies time to create the permit system. The Washington State Patrol would oversee the program, requiring fingerprinting and extensive background checks for all applicants.
One afternoon last month, I visited a Seattle gun shop where opinions about the potential law varied widely. Owner Rick Martinez told me, “We support safety training, but this feels like it’s designed to discourage gun ownership altogether.”
Customer Alicia Johnson, a first-time buyer, had a different take. “If I need to take a class to understand how to handle a gun safely, that seems reasonable,” she said while browsing handguns.
The permit would cost $25 and remain valid for five years. Applications would require fingerprinting and would be processed within 30 days. Critics argue these requirements place an undue burden on rural residents who might need to travel significant distances for fingerprinting and in-person training.
During my years covering Washington politics for
