The bill amends RCW 9.94A.860 to increase the membership of the sentencing guidelines commission from twenty to twenty-five voting members. It introduces several new positions to the commission, including a representative from tribal interests, a behavioral health professional with experience in the criminal justice system, and an expert in criminology or sociology. Additionally, it specifies that one of the public members must be a victim of crime or a crime victims' advocate, and one must have been formerly incarcerated in the state correctional system. The bill also adds the chair of the state supreme court minority and justice commission as an ex officio member.

Furthermore, the bill outlines the appointment process for the new members, emphasizing the need for adequate representation and expertise in both adult and juvenile justice systems. It establishes staggered initial terms for the newly appointed members to ensure continuity within the commission. The bill maintains provisions for travel expense reimbursement for commission members while clarifying that they will not receive compensation beyond these expenses.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 9.94A.860
Bill as Passed Legislature: 9.94A.860
Session Law: 9.94A.860