The bill aims to reform the way prior juvenile offenses are considered in adult sentencing range calculations in Washington State. It introduces a new section that prohibits the inclusion of juvenile adjudications in the offender score, aligning Washington with the majority of states that do not factor in prior juvenile offenses for adult sentencing. The bill emphasizes the importance of rehabilitation and recognizes the differences in decision-making between adolescents and adults, as supported by scientific research on brain development. Additionally, it provides procedural protections for offenders by ensuring that any adjudication used to determine sentencing severity follows due process.

Furthermore, the bill amends existing law to clarify that prior juvenile adjudications cannot be included in the offender score, thereby allowing offenders whose scores were previously increased due to juvenile offenses to seek resentencing. The court is required to grant a motion for resentencing if it finds that the offender's score was affected by juvenile adjudications, and it must set an expedited date for this process. This provision is set to expire on July 1, 2025. Overall, the bill seeks to create a more equitable sentencing framework that acknowledges the unique circumstances of juvenile offenders.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 9.94A.525