The Evergreen State is changing—and fast. If you’re a gun owner in Washington or considering relocating to North Idaho to preserve your Second Amendment rights, the latest Washington gun law updates 2025 are more than just legislation—they’re a wake-up call.

In this episode of the North Idaho Experience, we sit down with BZ from North Idaho Arms to break down the legal climate in Washington and how it’s affecting everyday citizens and small businesses. From weaponized consumer protection laws to proposed mandatory insurance on firearms, it’s clear: real gun control isn’t knocking on your door—it’s pushing gun stores out of business.

Key Proposed Laws to Watch

Several new bills are on the table, and while some may not pass, they set the tone for where the state is headed:

• HB 1504 would require $225,000 of liability insurance per firearm. No insurers even offer that yet.
  
  
• HB 1132 proposes bulk purchase limits: just one firearm and 1,000 rounds of ammo per month.
  
  
• HB 1163 introduces a firearms ownership permit akin to those seen in heavily restricted states, requiring fingerprinting, fees, and even more bureaucracy.
  
  
• HB 1152 enforces mandatory home and vehicle storage standards that critics say empower criminals more than law-abiding citizens.
  
  

And yes, despite claims to the contrary, Washington absolutely has a firearm registry. You can even request records of your own purchases through the state’s Department of Licensing.

What About Idaho?

In sharp contrast, Idaho ranks last (or first, depending on your view) on anti-gun watchlists. With constitutional carry, minimal restrictions, and strong cultural support for the Second Amendment, Idaho continues to be a refuge for gun owners. But as BZ warns, complacency is a threat. Only 25% of eligible voters showed up to recent elections. That’s a vulnerability—especially as migration from blue states increases.

Why Local Action Matters

BZ is working to help future-proof Idaho by pushing for legislation that would prevent Washington-style abuses of consumer laws. He recently brought this issue directly to Governor Brad Little at SHOT Show 2025, calling for a state constitutional amendment. The hope? To ensure Idaho never faces the same backdoor gun control methods devastating Washington.

The Bottom Line

If you’re a gun owner in the Pacific Northwest, these developments aren’t just political—they’re personal. Whether you’re looking to relocate or simply want to protect your rights, staying informed and getting involved is critical.

What’s Happening to Gun Stores?

The real impact of Washington’s legislative overreach? Gun stores are closing. As BZ explains, nearly 30% of retail FFLs in Washington have already shut down due to new restrictions and costly insurance requirements. And another 30% could vanish in the next two years. That’s not hypothetical—it’s happening now.

As access to firearms tightens, your ability to legally purchase and protect your family erodes. If you can’t buy it, do you really still have the right?

What Idaho Can Learn—and Why It Matters

Idaho remains one of the most gun-friendly states in the U.S., but that freedom isn’t automatic or permanent. Low voter turnout and political complacency could open the door for similar laws. That’s why BZ is leading the charge to future-proof Idaho gun rights with constitutional protections and community-led efforts like judicial oversight groups.

If you’re in Washington and tired of feeling powerless, moving to North Idaho isn’t just about scenery—it’s about freedom.

Learn more about making the move and how our real estate team can help you relocate to North Idaho.