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Panel backs technical fixes to protection‑order law and new penalty for undetectable firearms; some groups raise due‑process concerns
Summary
The committee heard ESSB 5202, which would make procedural changes to civil protection orders — including allowing minors to renew orders after turning 18 — and increase penalties for possessing untraceable or undetectable firearms while subject to qualifying court orders.
The Civil Rights & Judiciary Committee reviewed engrossed substitute Senate Bill 5,202, a measure that combines technical updates to civil protection‑order statutes with enhanced penalties for possession of untraceable or undetectable firearms — commonly referred to as “ghost guns.”
Evie Adams, staff to the committee, said the bill would allow a person who was protected as a minor to petition for renewal after turning 18 without alleging new facts and would permit a protected party to move to terminate or modify an ex parte protection order without notice to the respondent when the respondent has not been served. Adams also said the bill makes issuance of mutual full protection orders “strongly disfavored,” requires typewritten orders, and expands use of a confidential information form.
On firearm offenses, Adams said the bill would increase the grade of unlawful possession when a person subject to a qualifying protection…
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