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Bill

HB 1139

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

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Lauren Davis and 3 co-sponsors

Washington bill increases criminal penalties for unlawful firearm possession to deter illegal gun carrying and enhance public safety enforcement.

Public hearing in the House Committee on Community Safety at 4:00 PM.
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Bill Summary · HB 1139

Legislative bill overview

HB 1139 increases criminal penalties for unlawful firearm possession in Washington state. The bill aims to deter illegal gun carrying by enhancing punishments for individuals convicted of possessing firearms without proper licensing or authorization.

Why is this important

Firearm-related penalties directly affect public safety strategies and criminal justice outcomes. Stricter penalties can influence deterrence, sentencing lengths, and incarceration rates, with broader implications for criminal justice resources and affected communities.

Potential points of contention

  • Deterrence effectiveness: Research shows mixed results on whether increased penalties significantly reduce unlawful firearm possession versus addressing root causes like enforcement consistency and socioeconomic factors
  • Sentencing disparity concerns: Enhanced penalties may disproportionately impact certain demographics or communities if enforcement patterns are unequal, raising criminal justice equity questions
  • Definition scope: The bill's precise definitions of "unlawful possession" matter significantly—overly broad language could capture cases with mitigating circumstances, while narrow language may limit effectiveness

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

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