Washington lawmakers are exploring a proposal designed to give juveniles a stern message about the consequences of using firearms.

A committee in the state House held a hearing Thursday on a bill that would send more youths to a rehabilitation program. King County Prosecuting Attorney Dan Satterberg said currently law leaves the impression that the state tolerates juvenile possession of firearms.

Satterberg says it's important for the state is to capture the youth's attention and turn the person's life around.

The ACLU of Washington is opposing the bill, saying the effort could actually start the process of cycling people in and out of prison for the rest of their lives. The bill would cost between about $1 million to $3 million per year, and the ACLU believes that money would be better spent on other intervention efforts.