(1) The purpose of this section is to establish a process for issuing firearms certificates to residents of Washington who are qualified retired law enforcement officers for the purpose of satisfying the certification requirements contained in the federal law enforcement officers safety act of 2004 (118 Stat. 865; 18 U.S.C. Sec. 926B and 926C).

     (2) The Washington association of sheriffs and police chiefs shall develop a firearms certificate form to be used by local law enforcement agencies when issuing firearms certificates to retired law enforcement officers under this section.

     (3) A retired law enforcement officer who is a resident of Washington may apply for a firearms certificate with a local law enforcement agency. The local law enforcement agency may issue the firearms certificate to a retired law enforcement officer if the officer:

     (a) Has been qualified or otherwise found to meet the standards established by the criminal justice training commission for firearms qualifications for active law enforcement officers in the state; and

     (b) Has undergone the same background check as required under RCW 9.41.070 and is not ineligible to possess a firearm under RCW 9.41.040 or 9.41.045.

     (4) The qualification required under [subsection] (3)(a) of this section may be performed by the local law enforcement agency or by an individual or entity certified to provide firearms training.

     (5) The firearms certificate is valid for a period of one year. An applicant for the firearms certificate shall pay a fee of thirty-six dollars, plus additional charges imposed by the federal bureau of investigation that are passed on to the applicant. The fee shall be distributed in the same manner as the fee for a concealed pistol license under RCW 9.41.070. The retired law enforcement officer is also responsible for paying the costs of the firearms qualification required under [subsection] (3)(a) of this section.

[2006 c 40 § 1.]