Why This Was the Worst Legislative Session Ever

Published on March 15, 2026
Duration: 14:54

William Kirk, President of Washington Gun Law, details the detrimental impact of the recent Washington legislative session on gun owners and residents. He analyzes key bills, including those that passed, such as HB 2320 (3D printing ban) and HB 2521 (background check fee increase), and those that failed, like HB 2235 (public records exemption) and SB 5098 (gun-free zones). Kirk also highlights broader legislative actions like the new income tax (SB 6346) and local tax flexibility (HB 2442), concluding it was the worst legislative session in Washington's history.

Quick Summary

William Kirk of Washington Gun Law describes the recent legislative session as 'freaking terrible' for gun owners, highlighting the passage of HB 2320 (3D printing ban) and HB 2521 (background check fee increase), while noting the failure of protective bills like HB 2235. Broader legislation, including a new income tax and increased local tax flexibility, also negatively impacted residents.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Worst Legislative Session Ever
  2. 00:40Overview of Session Impact on Gun Owners
  3. 01:05Failed Bill: HB 2235 (Public Records Exemption)
  4. 02:15Passed Bill: HB 2320 (3D Printing Ban)
  5. 03:26Items Prohibited by HB 2320
  6. 05:10Failed Bill: HB 2321 (3D Printer Ban)
  7. 05:20Passed Bill: HB 2521 (Background Check Fees)
  8. 06:20Legislators Opposing HB 2521
  9. 06:55Gun Bills Summary & Overall Session Impact
  10. 07:11Failed Bill: SB 5098 (Gun-Free Zones)
  11. 08:41Failed Bill: HB 1386 (Firearms Tax)
  12. 09:05Failed Bill: SB 5735 (Toy Gun Restrictions)
  13. 09:51Passed Bill: SB 6346 (Income Tax)
  14. 10:47Budgeting and Spending Increases
  15. 11:15Passed Bill: HB 2442 (Local Tax Flexibility)
  16. 12:10HB 2442: Revenue Redirection
  17. 12:26Passed Bill: HB 2034 (Pension Fund Raid)
  18. 13:48Conclusion: Detrimental Legislative Session

Frequently Asked Questions

What were the key legislative outcomes for gun owners in Washington State during the recent session?

The session saw the passage of HB 2320, banning 3D printing of firearms and related digital files, and HB 2521, removing the cap on background check fees. Conversely, bills like HB 2235 (public records exemption) and SB 5098 (gun-free zones) failed to pass.

Which bills related to firearms failed to pass in the Washington legislative session?

Several firearm-related bills did not pass, including HB 2235 (exempting concealed carry license paperwork from public disclosure), SB 5098 (creating new gun-free zones), HB 1386 (an 11% tax on firearms and ammunition), and SB 5735 (restricting imitation or toy guns).

What is the impact of HB 2320 on 3D printing of firearms in Washington?

HB 2320 bans the 3D printing of specific firearm types like machine guns, bump stocks, and undetectable firearms. It also criminalizes possession of digital firearm manufacturing codes with intent to distribute or manufacture, creating a new crime.

How did the Washington legislative session affect state taxes and spending?

The session introduced a new income tax on high earners via SB 6346 and increased local tax flexibility with HB 2442, allowing higher taxes without voter approval. State spending also saw a significant increase of $2.3 billion.

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