Criminal Justice (Firearms)

in committee · Washington · Senate Jan 16, 2026

SB 6193: Concerning offenses involving unlawful possession of a firearm by a juvenile.

Washington State's SB 6193 amends laws governing firearm possession by juveniles, specifically targeting those under 18 who possess firearms after certain prior offenses. It defines unlawful possession of a firearm in the first degree for juveniles who have been adjudicated, convicted, or found not guilty by reason of insanity for offenses like domestic violence or protection order violations (as listed in the bill), making it a class B felony. Second-degree possession applies when juveniles possess firearms without meeting first-degree criteria, such as after certain misdemeanor convictions, and carries a class C felony penalty. The bill includes exceptions for pardons, rehabilitation, or if a court record of conviction cannot be found, but does not override existing laws allowing firearm possession for juveniles under specific circumstances.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill elevates juvenile firearm possession with prior domestic violence offenses to a class B felony, expanding criminalization and increasing severity of penalties.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Firearms Juvenile Justice

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in committee · Washington · House Jan 29, 2026

HB 2209: Concerning sentencing enhancements for theft offenses, robbery, possessing stolen property, and trafficking stolen property.

HB 2209 amends Washington State's sentencing guidelines to add mandatory additional prison time for certain theft, robbery, and stolen property offenses when a firearm or deadly weapon is used. It requires judges to add 5 years for class A felonies, 3 years for class B felonies, or 18 months for class C felonies involving firearms, with similar but shorter additions for deadly weapons (not firearms). These enhancements must be served consecutively to other sentences and are mandatory, with limited exceptions for specific weapon-related crimes. The bill is currently in committee review and has not yet been enacted into law.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeMandatory sentencing enhancements increase prison time for weapon-related offenses, opposing criminal justice reform by expanding punitive measures rather than promoting rehabilitation or accountability.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Firearms Sentencing

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in committee · Washington · House Jan 12, 2026

HB 1799: Concerning persons convicted of violent offenses with a firearm.

HB 1799 prohibits individuals convicted of violent offenses involving a firearm from earning early release credits toward their prison sentences. Specifically, it amends Washington state law to deny all "good time credits" or "earned release time" for sentences resulting from violent crimes where a firearm was used as a deadly weapon. This directly affects people sentenced for violent felonies with firearm enhancements under existing law (RCW 9.94A.533), preventing them from reducing their sentences through behavior-based credits. The bill does not change sentencing lengths but restricts a key mechanism for early release for this specific group of offenders.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeDenies early release credits for violent firearm offenders, extending sentences and restricting sentence reduction options per RCW 9.94A.533.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Firearms Sentencing

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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 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 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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passed · Washington · Senate Mar 12, 2026

SB 5268: Classifying unlawful possession of a firearm as a violent offense.

SB 5268 amends state law concerning community custody terms for offenders. This bill mandates that individuals convicted of unlawful possession of a firearm will be sentenced to a period of community custody in addition to other penalties. Initially, this community custody term is set at one year. Beginning January 1, 2026, offenders sentenced to over one year imprisonment for unlawful firearm possession will receive an eighteen-month community custody term. This change directly impacts individuals convicted of these firearm offenses by adding a mandatory post-release supervision component to their sentence.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeIncreases mandatory community custody for firearm possession, expanding criminalization and harsher sentencing per bill's explicit amendments.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Firearms

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in committee · Washington · House Jan 12, 2026

HB 1276: Concerning organized retail theft.

HB 1276 (titled "Concerning organized retail theft") actually modifies sentencing guidelines for violent crimes involving firearms or deadly weapons, not retail theft itself. The bill adds mandatory sentence enhancements: 5 years for Class A felonies, 3 years for Class B, and 18 months for Class C when a firearm was used during the crime. These enhancements must be served consecutively to other sentences and cannot be reduced if they exceed statutory maximums. The bill applies to offenders convicted of eligible felonies committed after July 23, 1995, excluding specific weapons offenses like machine guns. Note: The bill’s title is misleading, as it does not address retail theft but focuses on sentencing for firearm/deadly weapon crimes.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeAdds mandatory consecutive sentences for firearm-related violent crimes, increasing penalties without judicial discretion, aligning with 'oppose' indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Firearms Sentencing

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in committee · Washington · House Jan 12, 2026

HB 1139: Promoting public safety and deterring unlawful firearm possession by increasing criminal penalties for unlawful possession of a firearm.

HB 1139 increases penalties for unlawful firearm possession by classifying certain cases as violent crimes, resulting in higher sentencing levels. It mandates immediate jail booking for individuals arrested for violating firearm laws, eliminating the option of release on bail or personal recognizance. The bill directly affects people who possess firearms unlawfully, particularly those with prior violent criminal records. This legislation amends Washington state laws to enhance public safety through stricter enforcement of firearm possession restrictions.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill increases penalties for firearm possession, mandates jail without bail, and classifies cases as violent crimes - expanding criminalization and increasing mandatory sentences per criminal justice indicators.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Drug Policy Firearms

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