CIVIL RIGHTS UPDATE: Washington’s new gun permit system moves ahead as one sheriff calls law ‘insane.’
“I think this is insane,” Raymond said in a phone interview Wednesday with The Center Square.
Raymond said he believes the new permit requirement is unconstitutional because law-abiding Americans already have a constitutional right to keep and bear arms.
His criticism centers on what he sees as another layer of government approval for people who have already passed existing background checks.
“It’s another level of control,” Raymond said.
The permit application itself will include fingerprints, proof of the required training and an application fee. The law allows the State Patrol to charge fees intended to cover the direct and indirect costs of administering the permit program. The Legislature’s bill report outlines the permit’s five-year validity and fee structure.
The new permit-to-purchase application will cost $126 — a $90 permit fee plus a $36 fingerprint-processing fee. Local law enforcement agencies may also charge an additional fee to collect fingerprints. The permit will be valid for five years.
Renewals will cost $90 if submitted before the permit expires. A renewal filed within 90 days after expiration will cost an additional $25 late fee.
Looks infringe-y.