Bill > SB5266

This bill modifies the rules for individuals who committed crimes before turning 18 and allows them to petition the Indeterminate Sentence Review Board (ISRB) for early release after reaching age 24. The legislature recognizes that brain development continues until age 25 and that scientific research supports providing rehabilitation opportunities for youth offenders. Under the new provisions, individuals can petition for early release if they: (1) are 24 or older (with an exception for those convicted of three or more murders), (2) have not committed a crime in the 12 months prior to filing the petition, (3) have not committed a serious infraction in the 12 months prior to filing, and (4) were not sentenced under specific serious sentencing guidelines. The bill limits the number of petitions to 35 per year and prioritizes petitions from individuals under 25 who are in the custody of the Department of Children, Youth, and Families or those who recently transferred from that department to the Department of Corrections. The bill also allows the department to provide rental vouchers to successful petitioners to support their reentry and requires data collection to assess the effectiveness of these vouchers in reducing recidivism. The legislation is known as the "Youth Hope Act" and includes provisions for monitoring released individuals and potential return to custody if conditions are violated.

Budget and Finance, Labor and Employment

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5266&Year=2025&Initiative=false