OLYMPIA, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Washington residents will need a permit to buy a gun starting in 2027.

Gov. Bob Ferguson signed HB 1163 into law yesterday (Tues) in a major update to the state’s gun control regulations.

“Gun violence in Washington state breaks apart too many families and kills too many children,” Ferguson said at the signing. “I’ve met with families over the years that have gone through the most terrible losses possible as the result of gun violence. We must put common-sense reforms into place that save lives.”

In order to get a permit, a person must submit fingerprints, pass a background check and complete a state-certified gun safety course with live-fire training.

The law will also require gun sellers to log and report all sales or transfers, which previously only applied to some guns.

Supporters of the law say it will help reduce gun violence, while critics argue it infringes on 2nd Amendment rights.

The law goes into effect on May 1, 2027.