Bill > SB5153

This bill modifies how individuals who commit serious violent offenses as juveniles are transferred between the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) and the Department of Corrections (DOC) when they turn 18. Specifically, for individuals convicted as adults of a serious violent offense before turning 18, the bill mandates that they must be initially placed in a DCYF facility until age 18, and then automatically transferred to DOC upon turning 18. The bill removes previous hearing requirements that would have allowed for discretionary review of such transfers, effectively creating a mandatory transfer process for serious violent offenders. Additionally, the bill applies retroactively, meaning it covers individuals already in DCYF custody at the time the law takes effect, regardless of when their original offense occurred. The legislation maintains some protections for young offenders, such as potentially keeping those 18 and older in juvenile housing units if it better serves their rehabilitation needs, but streamlines the transfer process for those who have committed serious violent crimes. The bill aims to ensure that individuals who commit serious violent offenses as juveniles are more consistently managed within the adult corrections system once they reach adulthood.

Labor and Employment

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5153&Year=2025&Initiative=false