Washington state is set to implement stricter gun laws beginning on July 1. Gun shops around the state have been overrun for the past month with transactions by firearm enthusiasts looking to complete purchases before the change commences. For some the time has already run out while others are still looking to make a few more purchases before the clock strikes 11:59 p.m. on June 30.
Time has run out for some
Handgun purchasers who currently hold a concealed pistol license (CPL) are still able to make same day purchases for handguns but those who don't are running out of time. Anyone without a CPL has to fill out a form that is sent to their local law enforcement agency who runs a background check to ensure the purchaser is eligible for a firearm on top of the standard NICS background check through the FBI.
Once either cleared by the local agency or a ten day waiting period has passed, the purchaser can pick up their firearm. Time has now run out for the 10 day waiting period for those without CPL's wishing to buy a handgun before July 1. They are now at the mercy of the speed of their local agency. Any purchases not finalized before July 1 will be referred to the new law with the entire process possibly restarted according to firearm dealers.
Traditionally all handgun purchasers holding a CPL were able to take home a handgun purchase the same day as long as they were approved by NICS. Effective July 1 the FBI will no longer offer the service to Washington state for handgun purchases. All handgun background checks will have to be completed by the local law enforcement agency the purchaser lives within.
Safe storage
One of several portions of Initiative 1639 to begin taking effect on July 1 is the requirement of safe firearm storage. Residents who own firearms will be required by law to safely store their firearms inside their homes so that someone not legally allowed to have a firearm cannot gain access. If a firearm is not safely stored and an accident occurs or someone gains access, the firearm owner may be held legally accountable and face a "community endangerment" charge.
All semi-automatic assault rifle purchases will require prior training
Anyone wishing to purchase a semi-automatic assault rifle will be required to complete training in safe handling and operation of a semi-automatic to provide a firearm dealer with a certificate of completion before a purchase can be completed. Purchasers will also be required to undergo a more thorough background that is similar to a handgun purchase. The local sheriff or police chief, depending on the jurisdiction a resident lives within, will also have to sign off on all purchases.
King and Pierce counties have already stated they will put a 30 day hold on all transactions presented to them.
The Lewis County Sheriff's Office has announced they will be hosting a class on July 20 that will cost $20 and will meet the training requirements of the new law. At last check the class was filling up fast. Residents can find information about the class on the Lewis County Sheriff's Office Facebook page.
DOL finally clarifies what to do about "Other" firearms
Firearm dealers around Washington state have asked the Washington State Department of Licensing for weeks about how they are support to process firearms defined as "Other" such as AR-15 lowers. The current forms supplied by the DOL had no spot for firearms defined as "Other" and left many shop owners wondering if they would be able to sell them anymore.
On June 19, DOL notified dealers that they were going to leave the current transaction process for "Other's" under the current requirements with only the NICS check being required for a purchase until 2020. There will be no delay or waiting period for purchases and according to several firearm dealers purchasers should be able to take home "Other's" the same day.