Look, I get that some people think mandatory firearms training sounds reasonable on the surface. But let's talk about what's really happening here in Washington State.
Our friends in Olympia just passed House Bill 1163—without a single Republican voting for it—requiring you to complete a state-approved training course before you can even purchase a firearm or renew your concealed pistol license. The Washington State Patrol is now accepting applications for certified training providers, with implementation set for May 2027.
Here's the problem: this is exactly the kind of permit requirement the Founders intended to prevent. The Second Amendment says the right to keep and bear arms "shall not be infringed," not "shall not be infringed unless the state decides you need to jump through some hoops first." Our own Washington State Constitution is even more explicit, protecting "the right of the individual citizen to bear arms in defense of himself, or the state."
The training requirements are extensive—everything from basic safety rules to suicide prevention, conflict resolution, and live-fire exercises. That's a lot of classroom time and range fees before you can exercise a fundamental right. And here's the kicker: the whole system will be electronic, directly linked to permit databases. Critics are already calling this what it looks like—a gun owner registration scheme dressed up as "public safety."
Now here's what really gets me: this is going to hit hardest the people who can least afford it. Working folks who want to defend their families will have to pay for mandatory training courses, take time off work, and hope they can find an approved instructor in their area. Over 700,000 CPL holders in Washington will face this when they renew. That's not public safety—that's a poll tax on a constitutional right.
The good news? This law is almost certainly going to court. There are five state Supreme Court seats up for grabs in November, and gun rights advocates are backing conservative candidates. If we can get some constitutionalists on that bench, at least parts of this nightmare could be struck down.
Bottom line: Washington gun owners need to stay informed, get involved in the upcoming elections, and be ready to fight this in court. This is exactly the kind of incremental infringement that turns into a full-blown registry over time. Don't say I didn't warn you.