What Happens in Washington State If You Are Denied a Firearm Purchase?

Published on August 19, 2022
Duration: 8:54

In Washington State, if a firearm purchase is denied due to ineligibility, the Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) must report this denial to the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs within five days. This reporting is mandated by RCW 9.41.114. If a denied purchase is later approved, the FFL must report this subsequent approval within one day. A proposed amendment to RCW 9.41.114, contingent on the State Patrol's background system readiness, would shift the primary reporting duty to the State Patrol and ensure denied applicants receive notice of their right to appeal.

Quick Summary

In Washington State, if a firearm purchase is denied due to ineligibility, the FFL must report it to the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs within five days per RCW 9.41.114. If a denied purchase is later approved, the FFL must report this within one day. A future amendment will ensure denied applicants receive notice of their appeal rights.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Firearm Sales Surge & Denials
  2. 01:06Washington State Firearm Purchase Denial Process
  3. 01:30Federal vs. Washington State Denial Reporting
  4. 02:16FFL Duties Under RCW 9.41.114
  5. 03:42Reporting Requirements for Denials and Approvals
  6. 04:59Comparison: State vs. Proposed Federal Reporting
  7. 05:30Proposed Amendment to RCW 9.41.114
  8. 06:22Future Duties Under Amended RCW 9.41.114
  9. 07:00Impact of State Patrol System on Law Changes
  10. 07:23Remaining Rights for Denied Applicants
  11. 07:38Delays vs. Denials: State Law Differences
  12. 08:12Further Questions & Contact Information

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary law governing firearm purchase denials in Washington State?

The primary law governing firearm purchase denials in Washington State is RCW 9.41.114. This statute mandates that Federal Firearms Licensees (FFLs) report any denial of a firearm purchase or transfer to the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs within five days if the denial is due to the applicant being ineligible to possess a firearm.

What must an FFL do if a denied firearm purchase is later approved in Washington?

If a firearm purchase or transfer is initially denied by a dealer in Washington State but is subsequently approved, the FFL is required by RCW 9.41.114 to report this subsequent approval to the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs within one day of the approval.

How does Washington's firearm denial reporting differ from federal proposals?

In Washington, FFLs directly report denials to the state association of sheriffs and chiefs. Federal proposals typically involve the ATF receiving denials and then reporting them to local law enforcement. Washington's current law also does not mandate reporting for delays, unlike some federal considerations.

What rights does a denied firearm applicant have in Washington?

Under a future amendment to RCW 9.41.114, denied applicants in Washington will be entitled to receive a notice form from the Washington State Patrol detailing their right to appeal the denial. Currently, the law focuses on the FFL's reporting obligations.

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