Washington’s New Gun Laws Take Effect July 1: What Firearms Dealers and Owners Need to Know

Washington State is implementing some of the nation’s strictest firearms regulations, with House Bill 2118 taking effect July 1, 2025. These sweeping changes will fundamentally alter how federally licensed firearms dealers (FFLs) operate and significantly impact gun owners across the state.

As a criminal defense and firearms rights attorney who has handled thousands of cases involving gun rights restoration and firearms law compliance, I’m already seeing how these new regulations will affect law-abiding citizens and small business owners. Here’s everything you need to know about these changes and what they mean for your rights.

House Bill 2118: New Requirements for Licensed Dealers

Signed into law in 2024, HB 2118 imposes comprehensive new mandates on all licensed firearms dealers in Washington State. The requirements are extensive and costly:

Employee and Staffing Requirements

• All employees must be at least 21 years old
• Annual fingerprinting and background checks for all staff (not just initial screening)
• Ongoing compliance monitoring for personnel changes

Security and Surveillance Mandates

• Installation of comprehensive alarm systems
• 24/7 video and audio surveillance of all customer interactions
• Multi-year storage of surveillance footage
• Secure storage of all firearms inventory after business hours
• Upgraded physical security measures for premises

Reporting and Documentation Requirements

• Annual compliance reports to the Washington State Attorney General’s Office
• 24-hour response requirement for all firearms trace requests from law enforcement
• Immediate notification (within 24 hours) of any loss, theft, or unlawful transfer
• Certification of compliance under penalty of perjury

Insurance and Financial Requirements

• Minimum $1 million per incident general liability insurance coverage
• Proof of financial responsibility for potential violations
• Ongoing documentation of insurance compliance

The Real-World Impact on Washington Businesses

The financial and operational burden of these requirements is forcing difficult decisions across the state. Small businesses that have sold firearms for decades are reconsidering their future in the industry.

Stan’s Merry Mart in Wenatchee exemplifies the challenges facing dealers statewide. Like many sporting goods stores, they’re weighing the cost of compliance upgrades against the viability of continuing firearms sales. Some businesses, including Mill Pond Arms, have already announced permanent closures of their firearms departments.

One sporting goods manager I spoke with captured the frustration: “99% of our customers understand what’s happening with these laws — and most are angry about it.”

Perhaps most concerning is the mandatory audio recording requirement for all customer interactions. This provision raises serious questions about privacy rights and constitutional protections that extend beyond firearms law into fundamental privacy concerns.

What’s Next: House Bill 1163 and Permit Requirements

The changes don’t stop with dealer regulations. House Bill 1163, set to take effect November 1, 2026, will fundamentally change firearms ownership in Washington:

New Permit System

• Permits required for all firearm purchases (with limited exceptions)
• Court review procedures for denied permit applications
• Mandatory safety training certification for all permit applicants
• Background investigation process for permit eligibility

The “Poll Tax” Concern

Critics argue that HB 1163 functions as an unconstitutional “poll tax” on Second Amendment rights. The combined costs of permits, training, and administrative fees create significant financial barriers to legal gun ownership, potentially pricing out law-abiding citizens who want to exercise their constitutional rights.

Supporters describe these measures as “common sense gun safety legislation,” but the practical effect is to create multiple layers of bureaucratic and financial obstacles for legal gun ownership while doing little to address illegal firearm activity.

Constitutional Concerns and Legal Challenges

These laws raise significant constitutional questions that go beyond firearms regulation:

First Amendment Issues

• Compelled speech through mandatory reporting and certification requirements
• Privacy violations through mandatory audio surveillance of private conversations

Second Amendment Concerns

• Undue burden on the right to keep and bear arms
• Prior restraint through permit requirements
• Economic barriers that may violate equal protection principles

Due Process Questions

• Certification under penalty of perjury without clear standards
• Administrative penalties that bypass traditional due process protections

Protecting Your Rights: What You Can Do

Whether you’re a firearms dealer trying to navigate compliance or a gun owner concerned about these new restrictions, you have options:

For Licensed Dealers

• Compliance planning to meet new requirements while minimizing costs
• Legal review of policies and procedures
• Defense against regulatory violations or enforcement actions
• Challenge of unconstitutional provisions through appropriate legal channels

For Gun Owners

• Rights restoration if you’ve lost firearms privileges due to prior convictions
• Permit application assistance for HB 1163 requirements
• Defense against firearms-related criminal charges
• Constitutional challenges to overly burdensome regulations

Don’t Navigate These Changes Alone

The landscape of firearms law in Washington is changing rapidly, and the stakes are high. Compliance failures can result in criminal charges, loss of licenses, and permanent loss of rights. Constitutional challenges require experienced legal representation to be effective.

I represent firearms dealers and gun owners throughout Washington State in matters involving:

• License compliance and regulatory defense
• Criminal charges related to firearm possession or sales
• Restoration of firearm rights after disqualifying convictions
• Constitutional challenges to state and federal firearms regulations
• Business counseling for FFLs navigating new requirements

If you’re uncertain how these new laws affect your business or your rights, don’t wait until you’re facing enforcement action. Early consultation can prevent problems and protect your interests.

Contact Kris Carrasco Attorney at Law for experienced representation in firearms law matters. I’m here to help you understand your rights and navigate these complex new regulations.