HB 198 FELON IN POSSESSION OF FIREARM PENALTY

Rep Dayan Hochman-Vigil

Actions: [2] HCPAC/HJC-HCPAC

Scheduled: Not Scheduled

 House Bill 198 (HB 198) increases the penalty for a felon and serious violent felon found in possession of a firearm.  It also prohibits those convicted of these offenses from earning good time while in prison.   

 House Bill 198 (HB 198) increases the penalty for felons in possession of a firearm. 

First, the bill increases the penalty for a felon in possession of a firearm from a third degree felony to a second degree felony, and adds a minimum prison sentence of nine years. 

Second, the bill increases the penalty for a serious violent felon in possession of a firearm from a third degree felony to a second degree felon.  It increases the minimum prison sentence from six years to twelve years. 

Third, HB 198 removes the ability for those convicted of these offenses to earn “good time” while in prison. 
 

 The current penalty for both offenses is a third degree felony. Currently, there is no mandatory prison sentence for a felon in possession, and for a serious violent felon in possession, there is a six year mandatory prison sentence.  Currently, those convicted for these offenses can earn good time while in prison.  

 HB 198 is related to HB 46 and HB 316