SENATE BILL REPORT

                            SB 6114

                    AS OF JANUARY 18, 1994

Brief Description:  Limiting availability of weapons to minors.

SPONSORS: Senators Nelson, A. Smith, Oke, Amondson, Haugen, Quigley, M. Rasmussen, Winsley, Skratek, Deccio, McDonald, Anderson, McCaslin, Ludwig and Moyer

SENATE COMMITTEE ON LAW & JUSTICE

Staff:  Susan Carlson (786‑7418)

Hearing Dates: January 20, 1994

BACKGROUND:

Under current law, delivery of a pistol to a person under the age of 21 is a misdemeanor.  It is also a misdemeanor for a minor under the age of 14 to possess any firearm unless the minor is under the immediate charge of a parent or other adult approved by the parent, or under the supervision of a certified safety instructor at an established gun range or firearm training class.  Aiding or knowingly permitting a minor under the age of 14 to possess a firearm is a misdemeanor. 

Because of the increasing number of violent crimes being committed by juveniles involving firearms, it has been suggested that the firearm statutes should be amended to provide more serious penalties for delivering a pistol to a minor and for possession of firearms by minors.

SUMMARY:

Delivery of a pistol, short-barreled rifle, or short-barreled shotgun to a person under the age of 21 is a class C felony.  A short-barreled rifle is defined as a rifle less than 16 inches in length or a weapon made from modifying a rifle with an overall length of less than 26 inches.  A short-barreled shotgun is defined as a shotgun less than 18 inches in length or a weapon made by modifying a shotgun with an overall length of less than 26 inches.

Possession of a firearm by a minor under the age of 14 years is a class C felony unless the minor is under the immediate charge of a parent or other adult approved by the parent, or under the supervision of a certified safety instructor at an established gun range or firearm training class.  Aiding or knowingly permitting a minor to commit this offense is a class C felony.

Possession of a pistol by a minor is a class C felony unless the minor is under the immediate charge of a parent or other adult approved by the parent, or under the supervision of a certified safety instructor at an established gun range or firearm training class.  Aiding or knowingly permitting a minor to commit this offense is a class C felony.  

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  none requested