Title of Rule and Other Identifying Information: Creates a new rule in chapter 446-09 WAC that establishes the method by which the public will receive notice of the firearms background check fee authorized in RCW 43.43.580.

Purpose of the Proposal and Its Anticipated Effects, Including Any Changes in Existing Rules: Sections 1-2, chapter 100, Laws of 2026 (HB 2521), removes the statutory cap on the firearms background check fee and requires that the fee be set at an amount reasonably calculated to cover the direct and indirect costs incurred by the Washington state patrol (WSP) in administering the program.

This rule directs WSP to set a fee sufficient to support program operations and directs the method by which the public will be notified of the firearms background check fee.

Reasons Supporting Proposal: Section 1 of HB 2521, goes into effect June 11, 2026. Rule making is necessary to identify the manner in which the public will receive notice of the fee.

The proposed rule ensures continued operation and fiscal sustainability of the firearms background check program while providing transparency through publication of the current fee.

Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting: Kimberly Mathis, Olympia, Washington, 360-596-4017; Implementation and Enforcement: WSP, Olympia, Washington, 360-704-7840.

Explanation of the Reason the Agency Believes the Expedited Rule-Making Process is Appropriate: The proposed rule provides for how WSP will publish and communicate the firearms background check fee. The rule does not impose new requirements on individuals or businesses and does not create enforceable standards subject to violation. As such, it relates primarily to internal governmental operations and is appropriate for expedited rule making under RCW 34.05.353.

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 Kimberly Mathis, WSP, 106 11th Avenue S.W., Olympia, WA 98504, phone 360-596-4017, email wspwacrules@wsp.wa.gov, BEGINNING April 15, 2026, 6:00 a.m., AND RECEIVED BY June 22, 2026, 6:00 a.m.

The Washington state patrol shall establish a fee for firearms background checks sufficient to recover the costs of administering the program. The current fee will be published on the Washington state patrol's public website.