Denied Firearms Transactions

During the 2017 Regular Session, the Washington State Legislature enacted SHB 1501, an act relating to protecting law enforcement and the public from persons who illegally attempt to obtain firearms. WASPC encourages all interested parties to read the bill in its entirety.  

Click here for additional information on the reporting requirements for firearms dealers. 


Preventing Suicide Among Veterans and Military Members

The Washington state legislature passed SHB 1181 into law in the 2022 legislative session, reauthorizing the state's Safer Homes Task Force on suicide prevention through lethal means safety.  As part of the effort to raise funds to support this work and raise awareness of the suicide risks associated with unsecured medications and firearms, a fund has been created to pay for free suicide prevention education and locking equipment that will be distributed by the Safer Homes program in partnership with your Washington Department of Veterans Affairs.

Donations for this fund are to be solicited at point of sale for firearm transfers through federally licensed firearms dealers and at the point of sale for concealed pistol license issuance and renewals. Suicide is a serious risk that has disproportionately impacted the firearms owning community as well as our friends in law enforcement and first responder professions, members and veterans of the armed services, and rural residents of our state.

Employees at FFLs are encouraged to solicit donations at the point of sale for firearms. For more information, see www.saferhomescoalition.org or email Brett Bass ([email protected]) and/or Codie Garza ([email protected]), the Safer Homes Task Force co-chairs.

Firearm Background Check System -- Single Point of Contact

In 2020, the Washington State Legislature enacted ESSHB 2467, establishing a centralized single point of contact background check system for firearms transfers. The bill also established the "Background Check Advisory Board."

The Washington State Patrol developed and submitted an implementation plan to the Governor and Legislature in December 2020. The Background Check Advisory Board also submitted the 2020 Annual Report to the Governor and Legislature. Please consider reviewing the implementation plan, including projected timelines for implementation, and the Annual Report. 

Implementation Timeline and Decentralized vs. Centralized Process Review (Added 08/05/21) 

Join the WSP Firearms Listserv for information regarding the status of the Secure Automated Firearms E-Check (SAFE) system, any changes to laws that affect FFLs or citizens, or other pertinent information. Click here for more information on the Listserv. (Added 10/11/21)

Questions should be directed to Washington State Patrol Firearms Background Division. Office: (360) 704-7840 | [email protected]