Washington: Permit to Purchase Disaster Unfolding in Washington

Last week the Washington State Patrol (WSP) released the framework to implement the 2025 Permit to Purchase law, and the disaster NRA warned about during legislative hearings is unfolding. The lowlights include:

• WSP’s initial interpretation of the law concluded that NRA instructors were not eligible to teach the safety and live fire course. In response to NRA outreach and communication, WSP corrected this interpretation. NRA instructors must still receive approval of their course offering to cover state-specific requirements of the law.
• The cost to obtain a permit is $126. More than double the estimates provided in testimony by the WSP. Renewals are set at $90. Please keep in mind that concealed pistols licenses and hunting licenses do not satisfy the permit to purchase requirements. 
• Applicants are required to pay fingerprinting fees to both WSP and local law enforcement agencies. Local agencies were not informed of this mandate, and many are too understaffed to timely process requests. 
• Ranges are already expressing hesitation to host the mandatory live fire trainings due to liability concerns based on WSP interpretations. 
• The National Instant Check System (NICS) will be accessed twice to obtain a permit and annually thereafter. This falls outside the framework of when and how NICS can be utilized. The bill’s proponents should have been on notice, as a similar implementation issue arose under Initiative 1639.
• Non-residents will be prohibited from purchases and transfers of firearms in Washington. 

This is a developing situation, and your NRA is actively engaged and prepared to take further action.  Stay tuned to your inbox and www.nraila.org