Criminal Justice (Drug Policy)

in committee · Washington · Senate Jan 12, 2026

SB 5213: Penalizing the possession of fentanyl.

SB 5213 changes the penalty for possessing fentanyl from a gross misdemeanor to a class C felony in Washington State. It applies to anyone knowingly holding fentanyl without a valid prescription, excluding medical cannabis users under existing laws. The bill includes provisions for law enforcement to refer some cases to treatment programs instead of jail, while maintaining criminal penalties for fentanyl possession.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeUpgrades fentanyl possession to felony, increasing penalties and expanding criminalization despite limited treatment referrals.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Drug Policy Law Enforcement

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in committee · Washington · House Jan 12, 2026

HB 1000: Expanding the circumstances that may constitute a major violation of the uniform controlled substances act.

HB 1000 expands the definition of a "major violation" under Washington's drug sentencing law (VUCSA) by adding specific scenarios that would trigger harsher penalties. It directly affects individuals convicted of drug offenses who meet new criteria, such as conducting three or more separate drug transactions, distributing large quantities beyond personal use, manufacturing drugs, or knowingly distributing fentanyl causing harm. Key provisions include listing factors like high position in drug distribution, sophisticated operations, or using professional roles (e.g., pharmacist) to facilitate drug trafficking. This bill changes sentencing guidelines - not criminal law - by clarifying when drug offenses qualify as "major" for enhanced penalties. It does not alter what constitutes illegal drug activity but affects sentencing outcomes for qualifying cases.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeExpands drug offense penalties by adding new criteria for 'major violation,' increasing mandatory sentences under VUCSA.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Sentencing

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in committee · Washington · Senate Jan 12, 2026

SB 5685: Concerning theft in the third degree.

This bill changes Washington's definition of theft in the third degree to include stealing property worth $750 or less *or* 10 or more merchandise pallets or beverage crates. A third or subsequent adult conviction for this crime becomes a class C felony. It also adds a new pathway for individuals convicted of felony theft to clear their records after successfully completing substance use disorder treatment. These changes directly affect people convicted of theft and the courts handling their cases.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeAdds record-clearing pathway after substance use treatment for felony theft, promoting rehabilitation and reducing recidivism in criminal justice reform.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy

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passed · Washington · House Mar 12, 2026

HB 1574: Protecting access to life-saving care and substance use services.

HB 1574 expands "Good Samaritan" protections for individuals seeking or experiencing medical assistance during a drug-related overdose. The bill prevents these individuals from being arrested, charged, or prosecuted for drug possession if the evidence was obtained due to the overdose. It also protects them from civil forfeiture of property (with exceptions) and penalties for certain violations, such as probation or restraining orders, if these were discovered as a result of the overdose. Furthermore, it clarifies that these overdose protections can override mandatory arrest requirements for other offenses when the evidence is linked to the overdose and the need for medical assistance.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticePrevents criminal prosecution for drug possession during overdose response, aligning with criminal justice reform by reducing barriers to seeking medical help and protecting civil rights.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareExpands access to life-saving care by removing legal barriers for overdose assistance, protecting patient rights during substance use treatment, aligning with healthcare access and protection indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Probation & Parole Substance Abuse

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in committee · Washington · Senate Feb 26, 2026

SB 5227: Concerning offenses involving child sex dolls.

Washington's SB 5227 criminalizes the sale, distribution, manufacturing, and possession of "child sex dolls" - anatomically correct objects designed to resemble minors for sexual use. It classifies trafficking, manufacturing, or sending such dolls into the state as a class B felony, while simple possession is a gross misdemeanor on first offense (escalating to a class C felony with prior convictions). The bill also requires a $1,000 fee per conviction for violations, collected into a child rescue fund. These provisions directly affect individuals involved in creating, selling, or possessing these dolls, with penalties based on the number of dolls involved.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill expands criminalization by creating new offenses for child sex dolls with felony penalties, increasing legal restrictions on possession/sale.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Human Trafficking

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passed · Washington · Senate Mar 12, 2026

SB 5268: Classifying unlawful possession of a firearm as a violent offense.

SB 5268 amends state law concerning community custody terms for offenders. This bill mandates that individuals convicted of unlawful possession of a firearm will be sentenced to a period of community custody in addition to other penalties. Initially, this community custody term is set at one year. Beginning January 1, 2026, offenders sentenced to over one year imprisonment for unlawful firearm possession will receive an eighteen-month community custody term. This change directly impacts individuals convicted of these firearm offenses by adding a mandatory post-release supervision component to their sentence.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeIncreases mandatory community custody for firearm possession, expanding criminalization and harsher sentencing per bill's explicit amendments.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Firearms

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in committee · Washington · Senate Jan 12, 2026

SB 5290: Allowing persons who complete substance abuse programs to seek dismissal of certain controlled substance related charges.

This bill allows people charged with specific drug possession offenses under Washington state law (RCW 69.50.4011, 69.50.4013, 69.50.4014, or 69.41.030) to seek dismissal of those charges after completing a court-approved substance abuse treatment program. To qualify, individuals must first undergo a certified assessment showing a substance use disorder requiring treatment and successfully complete the recommended program. Courts must review the case, confirm the treatment completion and assessment, and determine if dismissal serves the interests of justice before dismissing the charges. The court must also provide a written explanation for its decision.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill diverts eligible drug offenders to treatment instead of prosecution, reducing criminalization and promoting rehabilitation - key criminal justice reform principles.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareLinks substance abuse treatment completion to dismissal of drug charges, directly improving access to healthcare services for substance use disorders.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Drug Policy Substance Abuse

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signed · Washington · Senate May 15, 2025

SB 5323: Concerning the penalties for theft and possession of stolen property from first responders.

SB 5323 increases the penalties for stealing or possessing stolen property that belongs to firefighters and emergency medical service (EMS) providers. It expands the definitions of first-degree theft and first-degree possession of stolen property to include essential equipment taken from fire stations, EMS buildings, or their vehicles. These actions become a Class B felony if the equipment is critical to emergency work and its loss significantly delayed a response, or if the equipment is valued over $1,000. This bill aims to protect the vital tools first responders use by applying stricter penalties to those who steal or possess their equipment under these specific circumstances.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill increases penalties for theft of emergency equipment to Class B felony, expanding criminalization and severity, aligning with 'oppose' indicators of increased mandatory sentences.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Tags Public Safety

in committee · Washington · House Jan 12, 2026

HB 1139: Promoting public safety and deterring unlawful firearm possession by increasing criminal penalties for unlawful possession of a firearm.

HB 1139 increases penalties for unlawful firearm possession by classifying certain cases as violent crimes, resulting in higher sentencing levels. It mandates immediate jail booking for individuals arrested for violating firearm laws, eliminating the option of release on bail or personal recognizance. The bill directly affects people who possess firearms unlawfully, particularly those with prior violent criminal records. This legislation amends Washington state laws to enhance public safety through stricter enforcement of firearm possession restrictions.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill increases penalties for firearm possession, mandates jail without bail, and classifies cases as violent crimes - expanding criminalization and increasing mandatory sentences per criminal justice indicators.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Drug Policy Firearms

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