Concerning offenses involving unlawful possession of a firearm by a juvenile.

 H-0533.3

HOUSE BILL 1536

State of Washington

69th Legislature

2025 Regular Session

By Representatives Hackney, Barkis, Davis, and Pollet

Read first time 01/23/25. Referred to Committee on Early Learning & Human Services.

AN ACT Relating to offenses involving unlawful possession of a firearm by a juvenile; amending RCW 9.41.040 and 13.40.0357 ; creating a new section; and prescribing penalties.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. (1) Firearm violence disproportionately impacts marginalized young people, including BIPOC and low-income communities, both as victims and as respondents. Intervening early when a young person is found to be in possession of a firearm is a critical opportunity to avoid juveniles becoming a future victim of gun violence or committing a more serious crime that will further entrench them in the criminal justice system.

(2) The legislature intends to enhance legal interventions available to provide necessary accountability for young people found to possess firearms and to incentivize behavior change, including through evidence-based behavioral health interventions, so these young people do not commit greater harm to themselves or the community.