(The Center Square) – A new federal policy ending enforcement of certain registration and approval requirements for suppressors and short-barreled firearms is drawing support from some officials in Washington, but questions remain about how exactly the change will work with state restrictions.
On Friday, The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives announced that it would stop enforcing specified National Firearms Act requirements for suppressors, short-barreled rifles, short-barreled shotguns and certain other firearms, including requirements for prior federal approval and registration.
The policy follows an August ruling by a federal judge in Texas and the Justice Department’s decision not to appeal. Although the court’s injunction originally applied to the plaintiffs in the case, the ATF extended its enforcement policy nationwide.
Shortly after the ruling, The Center Square spoke with Franklin County Sheriff Jim Raymond, who said he supports the ruling.
“I think it lines more with the constitutional right,” Raymond said.
Raymond did caution Washington State residents against assuming the federal change overrides state requirements governing firearm purchases and transfers.
“You really should be cautious and always keep in mind that, you know, the state laws are much more restrictive,” Raymond told The Center Square.
Raymond is now predicting the relationship between state and federal requirements could eventually face a legal challenge.
Benton County Prosecutor Eric Eisinger also voiced support for the ruling, saying Second Amendment rights are extremely important to residents in his county and all across the state.
“I think this is a good outcome in terms of upholding the rights of the people to keep and bear arms,” Eisinger told The Center Square.
Andrew Clark, Benton County’s chief criminal deputy prosecutor, also commented on the change Friday. Clark said the change primarily concerns federal requirements and could affect the paperwork firearms dealers submit to the ATF.
“I think the main thing is, you know, this is mostly regarding the federal requirements,” Clark said. “It’s not impacting any of the state laws.”
Clark also pointed out that firearms dealers will need to navigate the updated requirements as the ATF provides further instructions.
State restrictions
The ATF’s announcement does not repeal state firearm laws. The agency said individuals must continue complying with state and local restrictions, which may be more stringent than federal requirements.
In Washington, state law generally restricts possession of short-barreled rifles and shotguns, subject to specified exceptions. The interaction between those statutes and the federal enforcement policy could require further legal interpretation.
The ATF also said federal approval is still required for interstate transportation of short-barreled rifles and shotguns under the Gun Control Act. Background checks, dealer paperwork and other applicable federal requirements also will remain in place.
Gun-safety advocates have previously called for stronger firearm regulations in Washington.
In an April 2026 legislative session recap, state Rep. Amy Walen, D-Kirkland, said she would continue pushing for what she called “common-sense gun safety legislation.”
She also highlighted legislation addressing firearms, frames and receivers made using 3D printers or computer-controlled milling machines by unlicensed manufacturers.
“I believe that fighting gun violence and protecting public safety are inextricable issues. That is why in my time in the legislature, I have passed an assault rifle ban, a high-capacity magazine ban, and a permit-to-purchase policy, while continuing to be endorsed by our local police departments,” she said on her campaign website.
The Alliance for Gun Responsibility, a Washington-based gun-safety advocacy organization, has similarly advocated for additional state firearm regulations.
In a podcast earlier this year that featured CEO Renée Hopkins, the organization promoted Washington’s universal background checks and extreme risk protection orders and called for further action to address gun violence.
The Center Square requested comment from U.S. Sen. Patty Murray’s office and the Alliance for Gun Responsibility late Friday afternoon, but did not hear back from either as of Monday morning.
Washington Democrats’ communications director, Stephen Reed, acknowledged a request for comment but said he was unsure when the party’s chair would be available because she was traveling. Reed also said he referred the request to the Alliance for Gun Responsibility.