The Washington state Senate recently took a decisive step toward enhancing public safety by unanimously passing Senate Bill 5268, according to a news release from Sen. Keith Wagoner, R-Sedro-Woolley.
The legislation, sponsored by Wagoner, addresses the issue of unlawful firearm possession by establishing mandatory minimum sentencing standards.
“This bill was brought to me by local mayors in my district and in some of your districts,” Wagoner said. “I meet with them regularly, and this was a priority of theirs. They want to ensure there is at least some consequence for these actions — and in this case, 12 months in correctional custody for unlawful possession.”
The bill, which received bipartisan support, focuses on ensuring that individuals who illegally possess firearms face accountability, the release stated. The measure seeks to provide a deterrent against the criminal use of guns and a necessary tool for local law enforcement and prosecutors.
During floor remarks, Wagoner also emphasized that the bill provides what he considers to be the “bare minimum” of consequences, noting that illegal firearm possession is often a precursor to more violent offenses.
“There’s good evidence that people who are in unlawful possession of a weapon are not holding it because it’s their hobby; they have intent to misuse it,” Wagoner said. “This will put a curb on that and maybe provide them a chance to correct themselves and move on to a different path in life.”
E2SSB 5268 now moves to the House of Representatives for further consideration. As the legislative session progresses, Wagoner remains committed to working with his colleagues on both sides of the aisle to ensure this safety measure reaches the governor’s desk, he stated in the news release.
“We all know our courts are very busy,” Wagoner said. “But by providing these clear standards, we are supporting our legal system and making our streets safer for every Washingtonian.”
Wagoner represents the 39th Legislative District, which includes parts of Skagit and Snohomish counties, and serves on the Senate Law and Justice Committee.
