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Long hearing on permit-to-purchase bill draws broad public testimony on costs, rights and enforcement
Summary
Lawmakers held extended public testimony on Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 1163, a permit-to-purchase and concealed-carry overhaul that would require permits, new training and a State Firearms Background Check System. Supporters said permits reduce violence; opponents called it costly, unconstitutional and impractical for rural residents.
ENGROSSED SECOND SUBSTITUTE HOUSE BILL 1163, the permit-to-purchase and concealed carry overhaul, drew several hours of public testimony and detailed fiscal questioning at the Ways & Means Committee on April 4.
The bill would require buyers to obtain a permit before purchasing a firearm, authorize the Washington State Patrol (WSP) to issue or deny permits within set timeframes, require annual verification of permit holders and add proof-of-training requirements for concealed pistol licenses (CPLs). The Washington State Patrol estimated initial cash receipts of about $11.8 million beginning in FY2027 and requested a one-time general-fund transfer of $8.7 million to set up the State Firearms Background Check System, according to staff briefings presented to the committee.
Supporters — including survivors, public-health advocates and organizations that study gun violence — urged the committee to approve the measure, saying evidence and out-of-state experience show…
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