Washington lawmakers pass bill tightening restrictions on gun shops

OLYMPIA, Wash. (TND) — Washington state lawmakers passed a bill Tuesday tightening restrictions on gun dealers’ business operations.

The bill, approved by both the state's House and Senate, would require vendors to secure and monitor their stores at all times. Businesses would need to have bars, grates and security screens on all windows and commercial grade metal doors for each point of entry.

“The point really is about commonsense business regulation that will keep our communities more safe,” State Rep. Amy Walen, D-Kirkland, a sponsor of the bill, noted. “Those who buy and sell firearms have a responsibility to keep their firearms secure, to keep them safe, and there’s reasonable surveillance requirements within the bill.”

Vendors would also have to install a security alarm system monitored by a remote base capable of contacting law enforcement and observing all firearms, windows and doors. Detectors noticing entry, motion and sound are required elements of the systems.

We need to give law enforcement the tools they need to keep us more safe,” State Rep. Walen argued. “This is a special area of vulnerability, and I think that requires special responsibilities.

The legislation also requires businesses to mount surveillance systems able to record prospective purchasers and remain active for 24 hours. A visible sign would accompany the cameras and alert customers they, along with their conversations, may be recorded.

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Vendors with monthly sales of $1,000 or less would be exempt from the requirements.

“The last thing I want to do is ... bankrupt a small business,” State Rep. Walen explained. “Let’s keep talking, but let’s please move the bill along. I think this is an important step to keep our community safe. [It’s] reasonable for business and what law enforcement needs to keep us safe.”

State Rep. Peter Abbarno, R-Centralia, believes the bill is unreasonable, citing other potentially hazardous devices existing without similar restrictions.

I also look at things like overdoses and car accidents and whether or not these ‘reasonable’ restrictions can also be used at every car dealership or every pharmacy,” State Rep. Abbarno said. “Are we going to do the exact same thing for all the increases in deaths throughout our community?

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A balance between rational and safe considerations needs to exist in the act, according to the GOP lawmaker.

“I think this policy misses that balance,” he determined. “I think that what we could and should be doing is focusing on the existing laws and making sure they’re enforced properly.”

The bill now heads to Democratic Gov. Jay Inslee's desk. The legislation will take effect on July 1, 2025 if signed by the governor.

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