Bill > HB2521

This bill amends existing law to adjust the fee charged by the Washington State Patrol for firearms background checks, requiring that the fee be set at an amount reasonably calculated to cover the direct and indirect costs of administering the program, replacing a previous provision that capped the fee at eighteen dollars. The bill also establishes an expiration date of May 1, 2027, for the provisions in Section 1 and a delayed effective date of May 1, 2027, for the provisions in Section 2, indicating a transition in how the background check program's costs are managed. The Washington State Patrol (WSP) operates a firearms background check program, serving as a central point for dealers to verify if individuals are legally allowed to purchase or transfer firearms, as required by state law and the federal Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act. This program involves an automated system that checks various databases, including criminal records and mental health information, to determine eligibility, and dealers are required to use this system for all firearm sales or transfers.

Budget and Finance

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=2521&Year=2025&Initiative=false