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HB 3577

FIREARM OFFENSE ENHANCED PENAL

104th Regular Session Introduced by Michael Kelly

HB 3577 increases minimum sentences for felonies involving firearms, mandates consecutive sentences, and enhances penalties for straw purchases, aiming to deter gun crimes and boost public safety.

Referred to Rules Committee
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 3577

Summary of HB 3577: Firearm Offense Enhanced Penal

Overview

HB 3577, also known as the "Firearm Offense Enhanced Penal" bill, is a proposed law that would enhance criminal penalties for certain offenses involving firearms. The bill's primary intent is to deter gun-related crimes and increase public safety.

Key Provisions

  • Increases the minimum sentence for felony convictions involving the use of a firearm by 5 years, up to a maximum of 20 years.
  • Applies enhanced penalties to crimes such as armed robbery, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.
  • Mandates that sentences for firearm-related offenses be served consecutively rather than concurrently with other sentences.
  • Requires a minimum 10-year sentence for any felon found in possession of a firearm, with no possibility of parole or early release.
  • Enhances the penalty for the straw purchase of a firearm (buying a gun for someone prohibited from possessing one) to a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison.

Affected Parties

  • Individuals convicted of felony crimes involving firearms would face longer prison sentences under this bill.
  • Felons prohibited from possessing firearms would face stricter penalties if found in possession of a gun.
  • Law enforcement and prosecutors would have stronger tools to pursue and punish gun-related crimes.
  • The state's prison system would likely see an increase in the number of inmates serving longer sentences for firearm offenses.

Procedural Aspects

HB 3577 was introduced in the state legislature on March 3, 2025 and has been referred to the Rules Committee for consideration. A companion bill, SB 2177, has also been introduced in the state Senate.

If passed, the provisions of HB 3577 would go into effect 90 days after the bill is signed into law by the governor. The enhanced penalties would apply to all applicable offenses committed on or after the effective date.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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