WASHINGTON — The Washington State House has passed a bill allowing the State Patrol to set its own fee for firearm background checks, removing the previous $18 cap.
The bill aims to enable the patrol to charge enough to cover the full cost of operating the background check program. The House voted 53 to 36 in favor of the bill.
Supporters argue the bill is necessary to keep the program funded as operational costs rise. “In the state where we regulate certain activities and we create fees to support that regulation, those regulatory activities, whether it be adult family homes, skilled nursing facilities, all throughout state government, different professions, it is always the intention that the fees pay for the regulatory action,” a supporter said. “We have in statute a dollar amount that is not responsive to the needs of the state patrol to conduct these very important and popular background checks. This ties the fee to the actual costs, the patrol will incur in regulating this activity, asking for your support.”
However, opponents argue the change could make it more difficult for some individuals to purchase firearms. “We are not only restricting your ability to defend yourself, but the part that isn’t stated is that a criminal isn’t going to pay the fee for this background check to start with,” an opponent said.
The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration.
