Bill Would Cut Sentences for Gun Crimes and Repeat Offenders—What Could Go Wrong?
Because nothing says "public safety" like reducing penalties for criminals.
Washington Democrats are once again undermining law enforcement and making it easier for criminals to avoid serious consequences.
House Bill 1178, sponsored by Rep. Roger Goodman (D-Kirkland), is the latest attempt to weaken sentencing enhancements for crimes involving firearms, repeat offenses, and drug-related crimes.
If this bill passes, expect:
🚨 Shorter sentences for violent criminals.
🚨 Weakened penalties for gun-related felonies.
🚨 More repeat offenders back on the streets faster.
This isn’t about “justice reform.” It’s about making life easier for criminals while putting law-abiding citizens at greater risk.
What HB 1178 does
This bill rolls back sentencing enhancements, which are additional prison time added when certain aggravating factors—like using a firearm—are present. Under HB 1178:
Judges would have the discretion to waive firearm sentencing enhancements.
Sentencing enhancements for gang-related crimes would be reduced.
Penalties for drug offenses near schools, parks, and public housing would be weakened.
Instead of cracking down on repeat offenders and violent criminals, this bill makes it easier for them to get out of prison sooner.
Why this bill is dangerous
More repeat offenders on the streets
The bill weakens sentencing enhancements that keep habitual criminals behind bars. When repeat offenders don’t face serious consequences, they’re more likely to reoffend.
Criminals will spend less time in prison, increasing the likelihood of them committing more crimes.
Victims will have less protection, as offenders will be released sooner.
Law enforcement will see the same criminals over and over again, thanks to Washington’s revolving-door justice system.
Less deterrence for violent crime
Gun crime is already a major concern in Washington, but HB 1178 makes it easier for armed criminals to get lighter sentences.
Firearm enhancements exist for a reason—to discourage criminals from using guns in violent crimes.
Reducing these enhancements sends the wrong message: that using a gun in a crime won’t result in extra punishment.
In a state where crime is already surging, this bill further weakens law enforcement’s ability to hold violent criminals accountable.
Weaker penalties for drug crimes
HB 1178 also reduces penalties for drug offenses near schools, parks, and public housing—areas where children and vulnerable populations are most at risk.
Drug dealers know where to target—and softer penalties will only encourage more activity near schools and communities.
Washington already has a fentanyl crisis—weakening drug crime penalties makes the problem worse.
Who benefits? Not law-abiding citizens.
Career criminals – Repeat offenders get shorter sentences and less accountability.
Drug dealers – Reduced penalties for dealing near schools and parks.
Gun offenders – Judges can now waive firearm sentencing enhancements.
Who doesn’t benefit?
Victims of violent crime, who will see offenders back on the streets faster.
Law-abiding citizens, who will be forced to deal with increased crime.
Police officers, who will have fewer tools to keep criminals off the streets.
Washington Democrats claim this bill is about “fairness.” But fairness for who? Certainly not for victims, families, or communities who want safer streets.
What’s next?
If HB 1178 passes, expect:
More criminals released early.
Fewer consequences for using guns in crimes.
Weakened penalties for repeat offenders.
Washington’s crime crisis will only get worse if the state keeps making it easier for criminals to avoid real punishment.
What can you do?
🚨 Call your legislators. Tell them no to HB 1178 and yes to keeping sentencing enhancements in place.
🚨 Demand real public safety policies. Washington lawmakers should be protecting victims, not helping criminals.
Washington Democrats are reducing penalties for violent criminals and repeat offenders.
Contact your lawmaker to keep violent offenders off the streets.