Washington state just told us how much we'll be paying for the "privilege" of buying a firearm.
The permit costs $90 to apply, plus another $36 for fingerprinting. That's $126 just for permission. Then you've got to take a state-approved safety course—cost unknown but probably another $50-100+. So before a customer can even pick out a firearm, they're looking at nearly $200 in bureaucratic fees.
Oh, and this permit doesn't even last forever. It's only good for five years, then you do it all over again.
This is HB 1163, signed by Governor Bob Ferguson last year, taking effect May 1, 2027. Supposedly it's "commonsense reform" to reduce gun violence.
Here's the problem: criminals don't get permits. They buy stolen guns or use black market channels. A FOID card in Illinois has been in place for nearly 60 years, and Chicago is still one of the most violent cities in America. These laws don't stop criminals—they just make it harder for law-abiding citizens to exercise their rights.
The worst part is the financial barrier. Someone working paycheck to paycheck might afford a basic Hi-Point for $150-200, but now they need another $200+ just for government permission. That's effectively a poll tax on a constitutional right.
The elites can easily afford the permit and courses, but working folks get priced out. This isn't about public safety—it's about control.
The governor claims he's protecting families, but these laws only restrict people who follow the rules anyway. If you want to see what actually stops criminals, look at what happens when good people are armed and trained.
This permit system is a solution looking for a problem.