Attorney General Bob Ferguson announced today that his office is accepting applications from local law enforcement agencies for $2 million in funding aimed at reducing gun violence, promoting firearms safety, and supporting victims of gun violence.
Applications must be submitted by October 31 to Cherie Norris, grants and contracts supervisor at the Attorney General’s Office, via email at FISGrants@atg.wa.gov or by mail at 7141 Cleanwater Dr. SW, P.O. Box 40107, Olympia, WA 98504-0107.
The funding stems from a lawsuit enforcing Washington’s ban on the sale of high-capacity magazines. A King County judge ruled that Federal Way Discount Guns violated the law by selling thousands of high-capacity magazines, resulting in a $3 million payment from the store. Ferguson allocated $2 million of this amount to fund law enforcement efforts to reduce gun violence.
“Putting this money directly in the hands of local law enforcement will improve public safety in communities across our state,” Ferguson said. “These funds will combat gun violence and offset the harm caused by the brazen and unlawful actions of Federal Way Discount Guns.”
Eligible applicants include local police departments, county sheriff’s offices, and tribal police agencies in Washington. Applicants must demonstrate how gun violence impacts their community with relevant data and clearly articulate how they will use the funding to achieve concrete goals.
Agencies have 60 days to apply for the funds and must track how they are used. For questions about the application process, contact FISGrants@atg.wa.gov or call 360-709-6465.
Ferguson’s consumer protection lawsuit against Federal Way Discount Guns led to this funding opportunity. Washington prohibits the sale of magazines holding more than ten rounds of ammunition. An investigation found that Federal Way Discount Guns sold 3,625 unlawful high-capacity magazines between July 1, 2022 — when the law took effect — and December 2022 when Ferguson filed his lawsuit.
In April 2023, a King County judge ruled that Federal Way Discount Guns broke the law. As a result, Federal Way Discount Guns paid $3 million to the Attorney General’s Office. The office retained approximately $1 million for investigation and litigation costs and will disperse up to $2 million to local law enforcement agencies for gun violence prevention efforts.
The $2 million in funding is known as a cy pres distribution—an indirect form of restitution rather than individual payments directly to consumers.
When resolving lawsuits, the Consumer Protection Division often recovers costs and fees incurred in bringing actions as well as civil penalties and restitution. Whenever possible, direct restitution is provided to consumers harmed by illegal conduct. However, when it is impractical to identify each harmed consumer or distribute money directly due to small amounts available per individual, courts may allow a cy pres distribution. Cy pres means “as near as possible” and requires distributing funds in a manner benefiting consumers harmed by illegal conduct.
For more information about cy pres awards from the Attorney General’s Office click here.