Criminal Justice (Firearms)

in committee · Washington · House Jan 12, 2026

HB 2002: Concerning criminal justice and the recovery of firearms used in the commission of a crime.

HB 2002 establishes a reward program to encourage the public to report information about firearms used in felony crimes. It provides up to $500 for locating such firearms, or up to $5,000 if the report leads to a conviction, excluding law enforcement officers, individuals with warrants, or government employees acting in their official capacity. The cash rewards will be funded from existing county and municipal criminal justice assistance accounts, which distribute funds based on population, crime rates, and court case volumes. The bill directly affects law enforcement agencies (who receive the information) and the public (who may submit tips for rewards), while amending funding mechanisms for local criminal justice programs.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill creates cash reward program for public reporting of firearms used in felonies, enhancing law enforcement's ability to recover weapons and solve crimes within criminal justice framework.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Firearms Law Enforcement

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passed · Washington · House Jan 12, 2026

HB 1113: Concerning accountability and access to services for individuals charged with a misdemeanor.

HB 1113, known as the public SAFE-T Act, creates a pathway for individuals charged with certain simple or gross misdemeanors in Washington state to have their charges dismissed. Under this bill, a court may agree to dismiss a misdemeanor charge if the defendant waives their right to a speedy trial and substantially complies with court-ordered conditions and programs for up to 12 months. Full restitution is a required condition for dismissal, although inability to pay due to indigence is not a barrier if progress is made. However, the bill explicitly excludes a wide range of specific offenses, such as domestic violence, DUI-related charges, and certain assault or firearm offenses, from this dismissal process.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeEnables dismissal of misdemeanor charges after completing court-ordered programs and restitution, promoting diversion over incarceration and reducing recidivism through rehabilitation-focused pathways.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Domestic Violence Firearms

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in committee · Washington · Senate Jan 12, 2026

SB 5350: Concerning background check system for firearms transfers.

SB 5350 repeals existing Washington state laws and related legislative provisions governing the firearms background check system, including requirements for background checks during firearm transfers, the background check advisory board, and related funding accounts. This procedural bill removes specific legal provisions (such as RCW 43.43.580 and 2020 c 28 sections) from the state code. It does not create new requirements but eliminates the current legal framework for background checks. The bill is procedural in nature and does not directly affect firearm transfers or individuals.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeRepeals background check requirements for firearm transfers, removing existing oversight and weakening gun safety measures within criminal justice framework.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Firearms

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in committee · Washington · Senate Jan 12, 2026

SB 5531: Streamlining the home care worker background check process.

SB 5531 streamlines background checks for home care workers by removing automatic disqualification for certain past convictions after specific time periods pass (e.g., cannabis sales after 3 years, theft after 10 years, or assault/robbery after 5 years). It directly affects home care workers, long-term care providers, and contracted agencies working with vulnerable adults or children. Key provisions include allowing temporary unsupervised access for up to 30 days during a character review while maintaining a requirement for written notice to guardians about pending reviews. The bill also clarifies that agencies may use discretion in reviewing past convictions, with a rebuttable presumption supporting their decisions.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRemoves automatic disqualification for certain past convictions after time periods, promoting second chances for workers with criminal records aligning with criminal justice reform principles.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRemoves barriers for home care workers, improving access to long-term care services for vulnerable patients.90% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentRemoves automatic disqualification for past convictions after time periods, reducing employment barriers for home care workers and advancing their right to work.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Firearms Violent Crime Long-Term Care

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in committee · Washington · Senate Jan 12, 2026

SB 5273: Concerning the availability of community violence prevention and intervention services.

SB 5273 creates state funding for community violence prevention and intervention services targeting youth and adults who have been violently injured, are at risk of violence, or have experienced chronic community violence. It requires community violence professionals to complete standardized training by January 2027 and mandates funding for at least four programs (including one east and one west of the Cascades), prioritizing high-firearm-violence communities. Programs must coordinate with health care providers and the Department of Health, with plans to eventually bill medical assistance programs for these services. The bill defines "community violence" and specifies services like peer support, conflict mediation, and care coordination as evidence-informed, trauma-responsive interventions.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill funds community violence prevention/intervention programs in high-violence areas, a key criminal justice reform strategy to reduce recidivism and address root causes of violence.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill coordinates violence prevention services with health systems, prioritizing high-violence communities and requiring health-focused training, advancing public health access.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Firearms

Track

in committee · Washington · House Jan 12, 2026

HB 1386: Imposing a new tax on firearms, firearm parts, and ammunition.

HB 1386 imposes an 11% sales tax on retail purchases of firearms, firearm parts, and ammunition in Washington State. This tax applies to all retail transactions except sales to state, local, or tribal governments for law enforcement use. Revenue from the tax must fund programs focused on suicide prevention, reducing firearm-related domestic violence, and supporting victims' services. The bill directly affects firearm retailers and individual purchasers, with no exemption for government agency purchases.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesImposes 11% tax on firearms to fund suicide prevention and victim services, directly allocating revenue to public programs as required by the bill.95% confidence ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeFunds suicide prevention and firearm-related domestic violence programs, aligning with criminal justice reform goals of reducing violence and supporting victims.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Sales Tax Domestic Violence Firearms Law Enforcement

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in committee · Washington · Senate Jan 12, 2026

SB 5348: Creating a sentencing enhancement for organized retail theft.

Washington State's SB 5348 (titled "Creating a sentencing enhancement for organized retail theft") actually amends sentencing guidelines to add mandatory enhancements when offenders are armed with firearms or deadly weapons during felony crimes - not specifically for retail theft. The bill requires judges to add fixed time periods to sentences (e.g., 5 years for class A felonies with a firearm) that must be served consecutively, with no reduction even if the total exceeds the standard maximum sentence. It applies broadly to felony convictions involving weapons, excluding specific offenses like firearm theft or machine gun use. The bill does not create new retail theft penalties but modifies existing sentencing rules for weapon-related felonies.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill mandates fixed sentencing enhancements for armed felony offenders, increasing mandatory prison time without reduction - directly expanding criminalization and increasing penalties.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Firearms Sentencing

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in committee · Washington · House Jan 12, 2026

HB 1252: Concerning pretrial release.

HB 1252 updates Washington's pretrial release rules to require courts to clearly document their reasoning for release decisions, especially when defendants face violent or firearm-related charges, have attempted to evade police, engaged in foot pursuits, or required significant law enforcement resources (like drone or canine teams) for apprehension. The bill mandates judicial officers to provide written release conditions with clear conduct guidelines, explain penalties for violations, and justify why a defendant may be released on personal recognizance or with lower bail than prosecutors recommend. Courts must also specify how public safety and court appearance will be ensured in every release order. These changes apply to all pretrial cases involving adults and juveniles, aiming to increase transparency and consistency in release decisions.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeMandates transparent court reasoning for pretrial release decisions, especially in violent cases, promoting accountability and due process in criminal justice.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Firearms Law Enforcement

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in committee · Washington · House Jan 12, 2026

HB 1536: Concerning offenses involving unlawful possession of a firearm by a juvenile.

HB 1536 revises Washington state law to address juvenile firearm possession by clarifying when a minor is charged with a felony. It classifies unlawful firearm possession as a class B felony if a juvenile has prior adjudication for serious offenses (like violent crimes or domestic violence), and a class C felony for other cases. The bill specifically targets juveniles under 18 who possess firearms without prior court findings of serious misconduct, while allowing exceptions for rehabilitated individuals or pardoned cases. This law directly affects minors with prior court involvement in certain offenses, aiming to provide accountability through criminal penalties rather than behavioral interventions.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill increases felony penalties for juvenile firearm possession with prior serious offenses, expanding criminalization and mandatory sentencing per revised classifications.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Firearms Juvenile Justice

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in committee · Washington · Senate Jan 12, 2026

SB 5535: Concerning rights of individuals to bear arms.

SB 5535 would invalidate Washington's existing assault weapon ban and firearms industry liability laws by declaring them "void, unenforceable, and ineffective." It directly affects firearm owners, manufacturers, and law enforcement by removing current restrictions on specific firearms and liability protections. The bill repeals key sections of state law (RCW 9.41.390, 9.41.395, and 7.48.330) and redefines "assault weapon" to include specific models and features like certain rifles, magazines, and accessories. This would effectively dismantle current regulations on firearms classified as "assault weapons" under state law. The bill is currently in committee after its first reading.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeRepeals assault weapon ban (RCW 9.41.390), weakening firearm restrictions central to criminal justice policy and public safety measures.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Firearms Law Enforcement Violent Crime

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