Criminal Justice (Firearms)

in committee · Washington · Senate Jan 27, 2026

SB 6314: Concerning the regulation of firearm manufacturing.

SB 6314 (Washington State) regulates firearm manufacturing using 3D printers, CNC milling machines, or digital code. It directly affects individuals or entities producing firearms through these digital methods, aiming to prevent untraceable or undetectable weapons. The bill amends state law to require registration or oversight for such manufacturing, closing a loophole that allows prohibited individuals to bypass background checks. It specifically targets unlicensed production of firearms that evade standard safety checks, addressing public safety concerns identified in the bill's findings.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill closes loophole allowing untraceable firearm production via digital methods, requiring background checks to prevent prohibited individuals from bypassing them, strengthening law enforcement's ability to track weapons and aligns with criminal ...85% confidence

Sub-Topics Firearms

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signed · Washington · House Mar 18, 2026

HB 2521: Concerning firearms background check.

HB 2521 establishes a centralized, automated firearms background check system in Washington State, requiring all firearm dealers to use this system for background checks before sales or transfers. The system must check against multiple databases (including state crime records, court systems, and health databases) and provide dealers with instant results via a web portal or phone, including unique identifiers for each check. It sets a $18 maximum fee for background checks (replacing the existing fee) and creates an appeal process for applicants denied due to errors. The bill directly affects firearm dealers (who must use the system) and firearm purchasers (whose backgrounds are checked), with the system mandated to be fully operational by July 1, 2025.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeEstablishes comprehensive firearm background checks to prevent prohibited individuals from obtaining guns, enhancing public safety and aligning with criminal justice reform goals.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Firearms

in committee · Washington · Senate Jan 12, 2026

SB 6055: Concerning firearms background check.

SB 6055 establishes a centralized, automated background check system for firearm sales in Washington, requiring all dealers to use a new web portal to check applicants against state and federal databases (including court records and crime databases). The bill mandates a $18 maximum fee per background check (excluding pawn transactions), creates a process for applicants to appeal denied checks, and requires the Washington State Patrol to provide instant results and track system performance. Dealers must transition to this system within 30 days of notification, and the program must link to court records for eligibility verification. The law aims to streamline checks while ensuring data security and confidentiality of records.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeEstablishes centralized background checks for firearm sales, enhancing oversight and preventing prohibited access, aligning with criminal justice reform goals of reducing gun violence.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Firearms

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in committee · Washington · House Jan 21, 2026

HB 2456: Establishing a juvenile firearm early intervention alternative.

This bill creates an alternative to prosecution for juveniles charged with unlawful firearm possession (under RCW 9.41.040(2)(a)(v)). It requires juveniles to agree to a 12-month intensive supervision program with a reduced caseload probation officer, including mandatory therapy, mentorship, school attendance, and random consent-based searches for firearms or illegal substances. Participants must comply with conditions like curfews, geographic restrictions, and substance use monitoring, with the charge dismissed if they successfully complete the program. The alternative can be terminated if noncompliance is proven, requiring court hearings to review evidence and circumstances.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill replaces prosecution with rehabilitation-focused juvenile diversion program including therapy, mentorship, and supervision, advancing criminal justice reform by reducing recidivism through intervention.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Firearms Juvenile Justice

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signed · Washington · House May 12, 2025

HB 1460: Concerning protection order hope cards.

HB 1460 enhances the "protection order hope card" program for individuals protected by court orders, such as victims of domestic violence or stalking, and aids law enforcement. It mandates that these cards be in a scannable electronic format, where feasible, containing critical details like the names of protected and restrained individuals, the order's specifics, and crucially, information about any firearm prohibitions and compliance status. The bill allows protected individuals to request a card when the order is first issued or later, without a fee, and ensures the scannable codes can link to a digital record of the entire case history, including firearm relinquishment details. The hope card holds the same legal authority as the underlying protection order, and the program now explicitly includes extreme risk protection orders.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeMandates scannable electronic protection order cards with firearm prohibitions, enhancing law enforcement's ability to enforce domestic violence protections and prevent firearm access by restrained individuals.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Domestic Violence Firearms

in committee · Washington · Senate Jan 12, 2026

SB 5056: Concerning Washington state patrol providing firearm background checks when state record systems are unavailable.

This bill requires the Washington State Patrol to create a centralized system for firearm background checks that dealers must use when selling or transferring firearms. It mandates checks against state crime databases, court records, and the national background check system, with specific protocols for when state systems are unavailable for seven or more days. The system includes a $18 maximum fee for background checks (excluding pawn transactions), an appeal process for denied applicants, and requirements for real-time notifications and data security. It directly affects firearm dealers, who must transition to this system within 30 days of notification, and the Washington State Patrol, which must operate and maintain the new program.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill mandates a centralized background check system for firearm sales, ensuring checks against crime databases and court records. This strengthens law enforcement's ability to prevent prohibited persons from obtaining firearms, supporting public s...80% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Firearms

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signed · Washington · House May 12, 2025

HB 1395: Streamlining the home care worker background check process.

HB 1395 streamlines the background check process for home care workers, long-term care providers, and others working with vulnerable adults and children in Washington state. It prevents the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) from automatically disqualifying individuals for certain past criminal convictions, such as specific theft or assault charges, once a specified number of years have passed. However, DSHS or authorized entities can still consider these convictions during a "character, competence, and suitability review," and clients must be informed of an approved provider's background check results before services begin. The bill also allows some providers to work for up to 30 days while their review is pending, with client notification, and limits when new suitability reviews are required for previously cleared non-disqualifying issues.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticePrevents automatic disqualification for certain past convictions after time limits, reducing barriers to employment for individuals with criminal records - aligns with criminal justice reform goals.90% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentRemoves automatic disqualification for certain convictions in home care employment, expanding job access for workers with past records while maintaining safety considerations.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Firearms Violent Crime

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 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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