House Bill 1163, a sweeping measure to tighten regulations on firearm purchases in Washington State, has advanced past the House. Introduced on January 6, 2025, and passed by a 58-38 vote on March 8, the bill mandates a permit-to-purchase system, along with background checks, fingerprinting, and mandatory firearm safety training.
The legislation also introduces stricter reporting requirements for firearm dealers and expands the Washington State Patrol’s responsibilities in conducting background checks. According to Fast Democracy, the bill’s effective date is set for November 1, 2026, provided that funding is secured by June 30, 2025.
Opposition Voices Concerns Over Constitutional Rights
Gun rights advocates have pushed back strongly against the legislation, arguing that it infringes upon the Second Amendment. A video posted by the Washington State House Republicans on Facebook featured Representatives Jim Walsh (R-Aberdeen) and Hunter Abell (R-Inchelium) criticizing the bill for its constitutional implications. Walsh argued that the measure violates multiple sections of the Washington State Constitution, including the right to bear arms, due process protections, and privacy rights. Abell added that the law does not enhance safety but instead criminalizes lawful firearm owners.
A Partisan Divide in the House
The bill passed strictly along party lines, with every Democrat voting in favor and every Republican opposing it. As Washington Gun Law President William Kirk pointed out in his video, this divide reflects a broader national trend in gun policy. He emphasized that the requirement to obtain government permission before purchasing a firearm undermines a fundamental right, likening it to requiring a license before exercising free speech or voting. The concerns over bureaucratic delays, added costs, and potential misuse of government oversight have only fueled opposition to the bill.
Proponents Argue for Public Safety
Supporters of the bill, however, insist that these measures are necessary to curb gun violence. Rep. Liz Berry (D-Seattle), the bill’s sponsor, defended the legislation during floor debate, stating that it would prevent firearms from falling into the wrong hands and reduce their diversion into the black market. She cited other states with similar policies as proof that permit-to-purchase laws work. Rep. Darya Farivar (D-Seattle) echoed this sentiment, describing how frequent gun violence in her neighborhood of Lake City has created an “unofficial curfew” and arguing that the new permit system would help bring peace of mind to residents.
A Complex Permit System
The permit-to-purchase system proposed in HB 1163 is layered with requirements. As detailed in an article by Washington State Standard, individuals must first complete a certified firearm safety training program, which includes live-fire exercises, before applying for a five-year permit from the Washington State Patrol. The background check process will take up to 30 days for those with state IDs and up to 60 days for those without. The law also mandates yearly rechecks for permit holders to ensure continued eligibility.
Rejected Amendments and Financial Hurdles
Throughout the heated floor debate, Republican lawmakers proposed 27 amendments to the bill, most of which were rejected. One notable amendment, which would have exempted honorably discharged veterans from the permit requirement, was defeated. Rep. Cyndy Jacobsen (R-Puyallup) attempted to delay the permit system until the Washington State Patrol had a program in place to certify firearm safety courses, but this proposal was also struck down. According to financial estimates reported by the Washington State Standard, the program will cost $13.7 million in the next state budget and nearly $20 million in the 2027-29 budget.
A Clash of Ideologies
The debate over HB 1163 highlights the deep ideological divide on firearm regulation. While Democrats argue that increased oversight will reduce crime, Republicans maintain that restricting law-abiding citizens does not address the root causes of violence. Critics, including William Kirk of Washington Gun Law, suggest that the bill follows a failed pattern of gun control policies that do not deliver on their promises. Walsh and Abell pointed to rising crime rates in Washington State as evidence that existing gun laws have not been effective, suggesting that more restrictions will not change this trend.
Legal Challenges Likely on the Horizon
Given the outcry from gun rights organizations, legal challenges appear inevitable if the bill becomes law. William Kirk emphasized that similar restrictions have been overturned in other states, and he expects HB 1163 to face intense scrutiny in court. The Washington State House Republicans video also indicated that opponents are prepared to challenge the law based on constitutional violations. If the bill advances through the Senate and is signed by Governor Bob Ferguson, it is likely to face immediate lawsuits.
Comparison to Other States
Washington is not the first state to implement a permit-to-purchase requirement. As noted by Washington State Standard, about a dozen states have similar policies, though their effectiveness remains debated. Some states have reported reductions in firearm-related crimes, while others have seen no significant change. This inconsistency fuels the argument that multiple factors beyond permitting laws influence gun violence.
A Bureaucratic Nightmare?
One of the strongest criticisms of the bill is the complexity and redundancy of the background check process. Kirk sarcastically pointed out that Washington residents would now have to undergo “a background check before a background check before a background check,” highlighting the bureaucratic hurdles involved. If the bill is implemented as written, it could create significant delays for law-abiding citizens seeking to purchase firearms while straining state resources.
A Precursor to Further Restrictions?
The passage of HB 1163 may set the stage for additional gun control measures in Washington. According to Washington State Standard, lawmakers are already considering other restrictions, including limits on bulk firearm and ammunition purchases, new storage requirements, and expanded gun-free zones. With Democrats holding control of both legislative chambers, these proposals may gain traction, further altering Washington’s gun laws.
What Comes Next?
HB 1163 now moves to the state Senate, where Democrats are expected to have the votes necessary for passage. If it clears the Senate and is signed into law, the focus will shift to implementation and legal challenges. Whether the courts will uphold or strike down the measure remains to be seen, but one thing is clear – the debate over gun rights in Washington is far from over.
The passage of HB 1163 represents a pivotal moment in Washington’s gun policy landscape. The bill’s supporters argue it will make communities safer, while opponents warn of constitutional overreach and bureaucratic inefficiencies. Regardless of one’s stance, this legislation has sparked a fierce debate that will continue long after the final vote is cast.
A former park ranger and wildlife conservationist, Lisa’s passion for survival started with her deep connection to nature. Raised on a small farm in northern Wisconsin, she learned how to grow her own food, raise livestock, and live off the land. Lisa is our dedicated Second Amendment news writer and also focuses on homesteading, natural remedies, and survival strategies. Lisa aims to help others live more sustainably and prepare for the unexpected.