Anti-gun-rights Democrats in Oregon and Washington have a new strategy to strangle the right to bear arms on both sides of the Columbia River, and it is squarely aimed at their wallets.
In Washington, Democrats in Olympia are looking at adding $100 to the nonrefundable fee for a concealed pistol license, jacking the cost up from $36 to $136, with the money ostensibly earmarked to fund a “juvenile firearm early intervention alternative account.” The measure, House Bill 2456, was already heard by the House Committee on Early Learning & Human Services, while alarmed critics say the legislation should be before the House Civil Rights & Judiciary Committee.
Under the bill’s language, “The nonrefundable fee, paid upon application, for the original five-year license shall be one hundred thirty-six dollars plus additional charges imposed by the federal bureau of 4 investigation that are passed on to the applicant. No other state or local branch or unit of government may impose any additional charges on the applicant for the issuance of the license.”
In neighboring Oregon, there’s a move on via House Bill 4145 which would raise the cost of a permit-to-purchase from the $65 maximum to $150. In an alert to its members, the Oregon Firearms Federation warned, “This bill doubles the time you must wait to receive a “permit” to attempt to purchase a firearm and jacks up all fees. This dramatic increase in fees is no doubt another example of Oregon’s Democrats’ compassion for low‑income Oregonians—people most likely to live in high‑crime areas.”
OFF is also unhappy by what it calls a “carve-out” for law enforcement and retired law enforcement.
Oregon’s legislation is an effort to get around problems with controversial Measure 114, which is now before the state Supreme Court, which may issue a decision at any moment whether the citizen initiative—passed narrowly by voters in 2022—is constitutional. Democrats do not care to wait. They want to pass restrictive gun control laws now.
Democrats have a virtual stranglehold on the respective capitols in Olympia and Salem, and they are also considering other measures, but hitting gun owners in their pocketbooks is definitely high on their list of “To Dos.”
In the Evergreen State, the number of active concealed pistol licenses is continuing its four-month decline. The state Department of Licensing advised Ammoland News this week that the number of CPLs has dropped to 701,456, which is down more than 11,500 from the count at the end of September 2025. There are likely many reasons for the decline—this seems to happen regularly, only to rebound later in the year—but there is also a lot of movement by gun owners out of the state. High taxes, and the related high cost of living, along with a slew of increasingly restrictive gun laws, has had an effect. Gun owners who have left the state for friendlier environs (Texas, Idaho, Montana, Florida, for example) frequently post messages on social media declaring, “I’m sure glad I left.”
Both Oregon and Washington have anti-gun governors and attorneys general, and the state supreme courts on both sides of the Columbia are very liberal, although three justices on Washington’s high court are calling it quits this year, opening the way for moderate or conservative candidates to run.
Meanwhile, Washington lawmakers are also looking at a so-called “safe storage” law. House Bill 1152 mandates “secure storage” in vehicles and residences. Republican State Rep. John Ley (18th District) posted this message on the Washington Legislative Action Group’s Facebook Page:
“I am writing to provide an update on House Bill 1152, regarding secure storage requirements for firearms, which is rumored to be scheduled for a floor vote in the House next week.
“I know many of you have expressed strong opposition to this bill, arguing that it places excessive, unconstitutional burdens on law-abiding gun owners rather than focusing on criminals. I hear your concerns regarding the implications of mandatory, in-home, and vehicle storage requirements, particularly how they may impact personal self-defense capabilities.
“While proponents argue this bill will reduce gun thefts and increase public safety, I understand the viewpoint that it criminalizes victims of theft and infringes upon Second Amendment rights.
“As this bill moves to the House floor for a vote, I want to ensure your voices are heard.
“How You Can Take Action:
“Submit a Comment: Please go to the Washington State Legislature website today and select “Oppose” for HB 1152. This is the most effective way to ensure all legislators see your stance…Call or email representatives immediately to voice your opposition before the floor vote.
“I am monitoring this legislation closely and will continue to advocate for the rights of responsible firearm owners.”
In the Pacific Northwest, embattled gun owners on both sides of the Columbia River could use a bunch of people like Rep. Ley.
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About Dave Workman
Dave Workman is a senior editor at TheGunMag.com and Liberty Park Press, author of multiple books on the Right to Keep & Bear Arms, and formerly an NRA-certified firearms instructor.
Americans need no permit to carry, and laugh at the thought of asking permission (or paying for it) to purchase a weapon. Both blatantly unconstitutional, not to mention poll taxes and racist and classist. Citizens should be in their reps and senators faces daily telling them to kiss ass, as politicians are mere employees, and they answer to the People.