Bill > HB1386

This bill imposes a new 11% sales and use tax on firearms, firearm parts, and ammunition in Washington State, with the revenue intended to support gun violence prevention programs. The tax would apply to retail sales of firearms and ammunition, excluding sales to law enforcement agencies, and is in addition to existing federal, state, and local sales taxes. The bill defines ammunition as projectiles designed to be fired from firearms, including shotgun shells and cartridges, and references the existing legal definition of "firearm" from state law. The legislation is motivated by concerns about gun violence in Washington, including statistics showing that firearms are involved in a significant number of suicides and deaths among teens and veterans. The legislature intends to use the revenue generated from this new tax during the 2025-2027 fiscal biennium to fund programs focused on domestic violence prevention, suicide prevention, and victim services. The bill also makes technical amendments to existing tax collection laws and will take effect on January 1, 2026. The tax is designed to generate additional resources for addressing gun violence while potentially discouraging firearm and ammunition purchases through the added cost.

Budget and Finance

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1386&Year=2025&Initiative=false