Bill > HB1739

This bill proposes to eliminate the death penalty in Washington State and replace it with life imprisonment without the possibility of release or parole for individuals convicted of aggravated first-degree murder. The bill amends existing law (RCW 10.95.030) to mandate a sentence of life imprisonment without parole for such crimes, including restitution to victims' families and requiring offenders to work to satisfy restitution orders. It explicitly states that this life sentence cannot be suspended, deferred, or commuted, and offenders will not be eligible for any form of release or furlough programs. The bill also repeals numerous sections of existing law related to the death penalty process, including provisions for special sentencing proceedings, jury decisions, appeals, and the execution of death sentences, thereby streamlining the criminal justice system and aiming to reduce associated expenses.