The bill amends RCW 9.94A.525 to reform the way prior juvenile offenses are considered in adult sentencing range calculations. It aims to align Washington's practices with the majority of states that do not factor in prior juvenile adjudications when determining an offender's score. The legislation emphasizes the importance of rehabilitation and reintegration for juveniles, acknowledging scientific research on adolescent brain development that suggests significant differences in judgment and decision-making between adolescents and adults. The bill also seeks to ensure due process by providing procedural protections in adjudications that may influence adult sentencing.

Key changes include the insertion of language that specifies that adjudications of guilt for certain juvenile offenses, excluding serious felonies, will not be included in the offender score. Additionally, the bill clarifies that out-of-state or federal convictions that would have been presumptively adjudicated in juvenile court under Washington law cannot be included in the offender score unless they are comparable to serious offenses like murder or class A felony sex offenses. The bill also modifies how prior convictions are counted, particularly for juvenile offenses, to ensure a more equitable approach to sentencing.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 9.94A.525
Engrossed Bill: 9.94A.525
Bill as Passed Legislature: 9.94A.525
Session Law: 9.94A.525