WA Senate OKs mandatory waiting period for firearms purchases. Bill now heads to the governor

Senate lawmakers debated for more than an hour late Friday afternoon before approving a measure that would affect the process of purchasing firearms in Washington state.

Sponsored by Rep. Liz Berry, D-Seattle, at the request of the governor, E2SHB 1143 would require a 10-day waiting period before purchasing firearms.

Firearms dealers would not be able to sell or transfer guns without completion of a background check and until 10 days have elapsed since the check was initiated. Those purchasing firearms also would have to show valid proof of a completed firearms safety training program within the last five years, or proof that they are exempt from training requirements.

The bill passed the Senate with a 28-18 vote and will now head to Gov. Jay Inslee for a signature. If signed, the legislation will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2025.

“As a doctor I know once said to me, there are very few do-overs when a gun is used,” said Sen. Patty Kuderer, D-Bellevue, who spoke in favor of the legislation Friday. “That’s why this cooling off period that’s in the bill is so critically important. Just like with semiautomatic rifles, this bill requires a basic safety training course that consists of safe handling, safe storage, and keeping guns safe from kids. ... This is just simple, common sense when you own a lethal weapon.”

Several Republicans on the debate floor spoke out against the proposal, including Sen. Phil Fortunato, R-Auburn.

Fortunato claimed that while California has the strictest gun laws in the country, the state also has had the highest number of mass shootings. Because of this, he said, he thinks the bill is unnecessary and only adds an impairment to those trying to purchase guns.

Republicans also claimed that individuals, particularly women, would be burdened by the waiting period and that the 10-day timeframe prevents women from being able to protect themselves.

The move by lawmakers to approve the measure on Friday came one month after House lawmakers voted to pass the bill with a 52-44 vote.

An earlier version of the proposed bill in Washington state would have required a permit to purchase firearms, but Berry introduced a striking amendment to the legislation prior to the House floor debate in March to remove that provision.

The Senate Law and Justice Committee also added a striker to the bill that was adopted by Senate lawmakers on Friday. The committee removed a provision that would have required firearms dealers to provide a record of weapons transfers to the Department of Licensing.

A waiting period for firearms purchases isn’t new to Washingtonians. But currently a 10-day waiting period is mandatory in the state only when purchasing a semiautomatic assault rifle. Washington allows 10 days for background checks for firearms to be completed, unless purchasers clear the check before then.

In 2018, Initiative 1639 was adopted by Washington voters. It required purchasers of semiautomatic weapons to complete enhanced background checks and enacted the waiting period for those weapons. The law also made it illegal for those younger than 21 to purchase semiautomatic assault rifles.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suicides by firearms made up more than half of all suicides in the U.S. between 2018 and 2021. Gun violence is also the number one cause of death for children and youth.

The last day of the legislative session is April 23.