This bill seeks to improve community participation and rehabilitation for individuals involved in the juvenile justice system by eliminating legal financial obligations (LFOs) such as fines and fees imposed on juveniles and their guardians. It establishes a community compensation program to replace the juvenile restitution system, allowing victims to receive compensation without imposing financial penalties on juveniles. A task force will be created to develop this program, with implementation expected by July 1, 2025. The bill also includes provisions for waiving outstanding LFOs imposed under repealed statutes and mandates the creation of a community compensation account to fund the new program.

Additionally, the bill amends existing laws related to juvenile offenders, including the maximum hours for community service, which has been reduced from 150 to 120 hours, and clarifies that no fees or costs may be charged to juveniles or their guardians. It emphasizes individualized rehabilitation programs and outlines the conditions for community supervision and treatment placements. The bill also modifies the sealing of juvenile records, removing the requirement for full restitution payment before sealing, and introduces provisions for the management of legal financial obligations, allowing individuals with unfulfilled restitution orders to participate in the community compensation program. Overall, the bill aims to enhance rehabilitation efforts while ensuring fair treatment for both juveniles and victims.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 6.17.020, 7.68.035, 7.68.120, 26.16.030, 13.40.020, 13.40.060, 13.40.077, 13.40.080, 13.40.127, 13.50.260, 13.40.162, 13.40.230, 13.40.180, 13.40.190, 13.40.200, 13.40.054, 13.40.215, 13.40.210, 13.40.250, 13.40.308, 13.40.510, 13.50.270, 43.43.7541
Substitute Bill: 6.17.020, 7.68.035, 7.68.120, 26.16.030, 13.40.020, 13.40.060, 13.40.077, 13.40.080, 13.40.127, 13.50.260, 13.40.162, 13.40.230, 13.40.165, 13.40.180, 13.40.190, 13.40.200, 13.40.054, 13.40.215, 13.40.210, 13.40.250, 13.40.308, 13.40.510, 13.50.270, 43.43.7541