New Firearm Laws in Washington for 2024: What You Need to Know - Vancouver WA Criminal Defense Attorney | DUI Lawyer

In 2024, Washington State continues to expand its firearm regulations, focusing on enhancing public safety and imposing stricter requirements on gun dealers and owners. Governor Jay Inslee recently signed several new bills into law, which introduce significant changes to firearm possession, reporting requirements, and security measures for dealers.

Here’s an overview of the key legislative updates:

New Restrictions on Open Carry in Public Spaces

Effective June 6, 2024, Senate Bill 5444 prohibits the open carry of firearms in public libraries, zoos, aquariums, and transit facilities. Individuals with concealed-carry permits may still carry their firearms, but only if properly concealed. This law adds these locations to the existing list of prohibited open-carry zones, which already include places like schools, courtrooms, and government buildings.

Stricter Regulations for Gun Dealers

House Bill 211 8 introduces new safety requirements for gun dealers. Starting July 5, 2025, licensed firearms dealers in Washington must comply with additional security measures, including:

Running annual background checks on employees.
Installing alarm systems and maintaining 24-hour video surveillance.
Responding promptly to law enforcement inquiries.
Carrying general liability insurance of at least $1 million per incident.

These measures are designed to tighten control over the sale and transfer of firearms, as well as enhance the security of gun dealers’ operations.

Mandatory Reporting of Lost or Stolen Firearms

One of the most notable changes is House Bill 1903, which reduces the reporting deadline for lost or stolen firearms from five days to just 24 hours. Firearm owners must report any loss or theft of a firearm to local law enforcement within 24 hours of discovering the loss, or face civil penalties up to $1,000. This change aims to increase accountability and help law enforcement track stolen weapons more efficiently.

Destruction of Firearms in Buyback Programs

Under House Bill 2021, law enforcement agencies, including the Washington State Patrol, are now required to destroy firearms obtained through buyback programs. Exceptions apply for antique firearms, curios, and historically significant items, which may be auctioned or donated to museums. This law aims to reduce the number of unwanted firearms in circulation while preserving historically valuable weapons.

Incompetent to Stand Trial: Firearm Restrictions

Senate Bill 6246 reinforces restrictions on firearm possession by individuals who have been declared incompetent to stand trial for felony charges. Such individuals are now legally prohibited from owning or possessing firearms. The firearms in their possession must be surrendered to local law enforcement immediately.

Building on Previous Legislation

These new laws build on the comprehensive firearm regulations passed in 2023, which included a ban on AR-15s and other semi-automatic rifles, as well as a mandatory 10-day waiting period for firearm purchases. Washington continues to implement a series of reforms to address gun violence and improve public safety through these targeted measures.

Conclusion

Washington’s 2024 legislative session introduced several key updates to the state’s firearm regulations. From tighter security measures for gun dealers to stricter reporting requirements for gun owners, these new laws reflect the state’s ongoing efforts to control gun violence and ensure responsible gun ownership. If you are a firearm owner or dealer in Washington, it’s essential to stay informed about these changes to remain in compliance with the law.

For more details on Washington’s firearm regulations, you can visit the Washington State Attorney General’s Firearms webpage or check out the latest updates from local authorities.

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Feb 29, 2024

by GC on Kris Carrasco Attorney at Law

Out of State Restraining Order

I was in a horrible situation where the mother of my son had me arrested on false claims so she could kidnap our son and move to Washington from California. She filed a restraining order when she got to Washington, listing our son as a protected party and claimed I had been abusive to her and him, writing a statement filled with lies and stories going back many years. She went so far as to have her family members, whom had never left Washington submit statements as well. The whole thing was disturbing and as a result I wasn't able to see my son for months. Kris didn't get dragged into arguing the meritless claims she made but instead focused on the actual law. Washington did not have jurisdiction over me and as a result a restraining order was not legal. A temp judge granted the restraining order and Kris made the judge explain on the stand multiple times how Washington had jurisdiction. She could not. He filed a motion for reconsideration shortly after outlining case law and making it clear that the temp judge had made a mistake. A commissioner reviewed and granted the motion for reconsideration. As a result, I was able to be reunited with my son, 102 days later. Kris is an amazing lawyer and I can't thank him enough for what he did for me and my son. Don't hesitate to hire him.