Bill > HB1111

This bill modifies the existing law to allow individuals who committed crimes before turning 18 to petition the Indeterminate Sentence Review Board (ISRB) for early release after reaching the age of 24, instead of the previous requirement of serving at least 20 years of total confinement. The bill is based on scientific research showing that brain development continues until age 25 and represents a critical period for behavioral change. To be eligible, the person must not have committed any crimes in the months prior to filing the petition and must not have received a serious infraction. The department of corrections will conduct an assessment of the offender at least five years before potential release, identifying appropriate programming to prepare them for community reentry. The ISRB will evaluate the petition, considering public safety as the highest priority, and may release the individual under specific conditions if they determine the person is unlikely to commit new crimes. The bill also introduces a provision for potential rental vouchers to support successful petitioners and limits the number of petitions to 70 per year, prioritizing those under 25 who are in the custody of the Department of Children, Youth, and Families or recently transferred from that department. The legislation is titled the "Youth Hope Act" and aims to create greater rehabilitation opportunities for youth offenders.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1111&Year=2025&Initiative=false