Permit-to-purchase system, secure storage requirements, and gun dealer accountability top list of 2025 Legislative priorities
SEATTLE, WA – Committees in the House and Senate held public hearings on a number of Alliance for Gun Responsibility priority bills today, the first step for a package of new gun safety proposals in Washington. After, the Alliance for Gun Responsibility, legislative leaders, and supporters held an event in support of the Alliance’s 2025 Legislative Agenda.
Bills heard this morning include the creation of a permit-to-purchase system (HB 1163/SB 5140), secure storage requirements (HB 1152), requirements and accountability for gun dealers (SB 5099), restrictions on the bulk purchase of weapons and ammo (HB 1132), and an excise tax on the sale of guns and ammo to fund violence intervention programs and support victim services (HB 1386). The Senate Law and Justice Committee previously passed additional protections in sensitive places meant for kids and families (SB 5098) out of committee.
“There is no single policy that will reduce all gun violence – it’s a public health problem and it takes a system of laws, safeguards, training and programs that work together to keep guns out of dangerous hands and keep our communities safe,” said Renée Hopkins, CEO of the Alliance for Gun Responsibility. “The top of our agenda this year is joining other states in creating a permit-to-purchase system. All of our work in Washington over the last decade has led to this pivotal moment. The laws we have passed and progress we have made as a state come together and culminate in a full permitting system to save lives and protect our communities.”
Attorney General Nick Brown also voiced his support for the proposal to create a permit-to-purchase system, in addition to ensuring the enforcement of Washington’s robust gun safety laws passed in recent years.
“Advancing our state’s gun violence prevention work to save lives and reduce crime is among my top priorities. Permit-to-purchase systems are proven as one of the single most effective policies to keep guns out of dangerous hands,” said Attorney General Nick Brown. “My office will also continue our work enforcing Washington’s robust gun safety laws, holding bad actors in the firearms industry accountable for endangering our communities. I look forward to partnering with the Alliance for Gun Responsibility in this important work.”
The permit-to-purchase law, sponsored by Rep. Liz Berry (D-36) and Sen. Marko Liias (D-21), would require applicants to submit fingerprints, proof of completing in-person firearm safety training, and undergo a robust background check conducted by the Washington State Patrol before purchasing a firearm. Once approved, permits would be valid for five years before would-be purchasers need to renew. Washington State Patrol will perform annual rechecks on permits automatically to check for any disqualifications, like a domestic violence conviction.
Permit-to-purchase is part of a suite of gun safety bills introduced this session directed at reducing gun violence in all forms – including stemming the flow of illegal and stolen guns into communities that put all Washingtonians at risk.
“All of the policies I heard this morning are about addressing the worrying flow of guns into communities, especially into the hands of underserved and unsupported youth,” said Rep. Jamila Taylor (D-30), chair of the House Civil Rights and Judiciary Committee. “Together, this package of proposals will save lives, help stop the flow of firearms into communities, strengthen implementation and provide needed funding for victims services and violence intervention programs.”
The majority of illegal and stolen firearms recovered are initially stolen from vehicles. While existing law requires firearms dealers to offer secure gun storage devices and holds irresponsible actors potentially liable if their firearms fall into the hands of minors or other prohibited persons, there’s currently no legal requirements for storage. House Bill 1152 would require that guns in the home must be locked or locked away, and guns stored in vehicles must also be locked away and out of view.
“We’re proposing clear standards that many responsible gun owners already follow for their own or their family’s safety,” said Rep. Beth Doglio (D-22). “Secure storage is a common-sense measure that balances the rights of firearms owners with the urgent public health and safety need to ensure that guns are stored properly and securely.”
Gun violence prevention advocates are also focusing on strengthening regulations for gun dealers, returning to an issue lawmakers focused on last year by passing a bill requiring dealers to implement security measures, maintain records, and report losses to law enforcement within 24 hours. Senate Bill 5099, sponsored by Sen. John Lovick (D-44), builds on these requirements by giving Washington State Patrol the authority to complete the inspections necessary to ensure dealers are complying with these standards. These procedures will help make sure gun dealers are less susceptible to theft and straw purchasing and reduce gun trafficking.
Other proposals this session focus on limiting the bulk purchasing of guns and ammunition which will crack down on illegal gun trafficking, expand firearm restrictions to additional public spaces like parks, playgrounds, county fairs and other sensitive spaces children and families frequent, and protecting and expanding funding for community violence intervention programs like the Office of Firearm Safety and Violence Prevention.
“It’s no secret that we face tremendous budget challenges this year, and the Legislature faces some tough decisions this session – but this work will be a priority,” said Senate Majority Leader Jamie Pedersen (D-43). “We cannot afford to let up on our gun violence prevention work. The lives and safety of Washington kids and families are not a negotiable item.”