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WashingtonHB 25212025-2026 Regular SessionHouse

Concerning firearms background check.

Sponsored By: Timm Ormsby (Democratic)

Became Law

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.

State-run background checks for gun sales

The Washington State Patrol runs a single state system for gun background checks. Dealers submit checks by web or phone, get a unique ID, and receive automatic yes, no, or “needs more time” results. The patrol searches NICS, state court files, health authority data, and other records, and it tracks performance. Dealers must start using the system 30 days after the patrol gives notice; it operates now and continues after May 1, 2027. Background-check records are confidential, and the patrol may set rules and consults the state advisory board.

Appeal a denied gun transfer

If the background check denies your gun transfer, you can appeal to the Washington State Patrol. You can get the reason and steps to fix wrong records. The patrol must provide a clear process for appeals and corrections.

Gun delivery can be delayed during checks

The state patrol may delay giving a gun to a buyer when the law allows a hold. This can happen when the background check returns “indeterminate” and needs more review, or when other legal hold rules in RCW 9.41.090 apply. This authority is in place now and continues after May 1, 2027.

New fee on gun background checks

You pay a background check fee when you buy or receive a gun from a dealer. The patrol sets the amount to cover its costs, the dealer collects it, and sends the money to the state. The fee does not apply when a pawnbroker takes or returns a pawned gun. This rule applies now and continues after May 1, 2027.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Timm Ormsby

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Brandy Donaghy

    Democratic • House

  • Gerry Pollet

    Democratic • House

  • Lisa Parshley

    Democratic • House

  • Liz Berry

    Democratic • House

  • Mari Leavitt

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 81 • No: 57

Senate vote • 3/9/2026

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 28 • No: 21

House vote • 2/23/2026

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 53 • No: 36 • Other: 9

Actions Timeline

  1. Effective date 6/11/2026*.

    3/18/2026House

  2. Chapter 100, 2026 Laws.

    3/18/2026House

  3. Governor signed.

    3/18/2026legislature

  4. Delivered to Governor.

    3/12/2026legislature

  5. President signed.

    3/12/2026legislature

  6. Speaker signed.

    3/11/2026legislature

  7. Third reading, passed; yeas, 28; nays, 21; absent, 0; excused, 0.

    3/9/2026House

  8. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    3/9/2026House

  9. Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.

    3/5/2026House

  10. Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.

    3/2/2026House

  11. Minority; do not pass.

    3/2/2026House

  12. WM - Majority; do pass.

    3/2/2026House

  13. First reading, referred to Ways & Means.

    2/24/2026House

  14. Third reading, passed; yeas, 53; nays, 36; absent, 0; excused, 9.

    2/23/2026House

  15. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    2/23/2026House

  16. Rules Committee relieved of further consideration. Placed on second reading.

    2/14/2026House

  17. Referred to Rules 2 Review.

    2/3/2026House

  18. Minority; do not pass.

    1/29/2026House

  19. APP - Majority; do pass.

    1/29/2026House

  20. APP - Executive action taken by committee.

    1/29/2026House

  21. First reading, referred to Appropriations.

    1/16/2026House

  22. Introduced

    1/16/2026House

Bill Text

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