Purpose of the Proposal and Its Anticipated Effects, Including Any Changes in Existing Rules: The department of licensing (department) is removing the requirement for firearm dealers to charge a fee for semiautomatic assault rifle purchases. This change is pursuant to HB [E2SHB] 1143, passed during the 2023 legislative session, which now allows firearms dealers to charge a background check fee for the Secure Automated Firearm E-check system run by the Washington state patrol.

Reasons Supporting Proposal: These updates align with changes made by HB [E2SHB] 1143, including RCW 43.43.580 Firearms background check unit—Automated firearms background check system—Fee, and 9.41.090 Dealer deliveries regulated—Hold on deliver—Fees authorized.

Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 9.41.090 (7)(a) Dealer deliveries regulated—Hold on delivery—Fees authorized, and 43.43.580 (4)(a) Firearms background check unit—Automated firearms background check system—Fee.

Statute Being Implemented: HB [E2SHB] 1143 and RCW 43.43.580 Firearms background check unit—Automated firearms background check system—Fee.

Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting, Implementation, and Enforcement: Aaron Slavin, 405 Black Lake Boulevard S.W., Olympia, WA 98502, 360-634-5081.

Adopts or incorporates by reference without material change federal statutes or regulations, Washington state statutes, rules of other Washington state agencies, shoreline master programs other than those programs governing shorelines of statewide significance, or, as referenced by Washington state law, national consensus codes that generally establish industry standards, if the material adopted or incorporated regulates the same subject matter and conduct as the adopting or incorporating rule.

Explanation of the Reason the Agency Believes the Expedited Rule-Making Process is Appropriate: This requirement is specifically called out in RCW 43.43.580 which was approved in HB [E2SHB] 1143 during the 2023 legislative session.

THIS RULE IS BEING PROPOSED UNDER AN EXPEDITED RULE-MAKING PROCESS THAT WILL ELIMINATE THE NEED FOR THE AGENCY TO HOLD PUBLIC HEARINGS, PREPARE A SMALL BUSINESS ECONOMIC IMPACT STATEMENT, OR PROVIDE RESPONSES TO THE CRITERIA FOR A SIGNIFICANT LEGISLATIVE RULE. IF YOU OBJECT TO THIS USE OF THE EXPEDITED RULE-MAKING PROCESS, YOU MUST EXPRESS YOUR OBJECTIONS IN WRITING AND THEY MUST BE SENT TO Kelsey Stone, Department of Licensing, 1125 Washington Street S.E., Olympia, WA 98504, phone 360-902-0131, email rulescoordinator@dol.wa.gov, AND RECEIVED BY March 25, 2024.