Bill > SB5715

This bill addresses the retroactive application of a law that prevents certain juvenile convictions from being used to increase an offender's sentence score. Specifically, it provides a mechanism for individuals currently incarcerated who were sentenced before July 23, 2023, to petition for resentencing if their original sentence was lengthened by including juvenile convictions. The bill creates a phased approach for eligibility based on the time served, starting from July 1, 2026, with increasingly broader criteria for who can seek resentencing in subsequent years. Notably, the legislation acknowledges the disproportionate impact of juvenile sentencing on Black, Indigenous, and people of color, and recognizes the historical trauma caused by systemic inequities in the juvenile justice system. The bill includes provisions to protect victims' rights, offering them notification, the opportunity to provide statements, and access to victim advocacy services. Importantly, while individuals can petition for resentencing, the earliest potential release date would be six months after the resentencing hearing, and the court can deny petitions based on factors like serious disciplinary records or a high likelihood of reoffending. The legislation aims to address racial disparities and recognize the developmental differences between juvenile and adult decision-making.

Justice

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5715&Year=2025&Initiative=false