The bill seeks to enhance the support and rights of crime victims and witnesses in Washington state by introducing several key amendments to the Revised Code of Washington (RCW). It clarifies definitions related to "criminal act," "victim," and "beneficiary," and emphasizes that victims who face barriers to cooperating with law enforcement, such as age or psychological state, will not be penalized for their lack of cooperation. The bill also expands the definition of "criminal act" to include offenses committed outside Washington under specific conditions. Additionally, it outlines the responsibilities of the Department of Labor and Industries in providing compensation for victims, including coverage for medical examinations and transportation costs, and establishes guidelines for counseling services for victims of sexual assault and the immediate family members of homicide victims.

Moreover, the legislation introduces significant changes to the prosecution of sexual offenses, including specific time limits for prosecuting various crimes and new procedures for the admissibility of evidence regarding a victim's past sexual behavior. It also protects the confidentiality of evidence obtained during sexual assault medical forensic examinations, ensuring that sensitive materials are treated with privacy and dignity. The bill establishes a statewide forensic nurse coordination program to improve responses to sexual assault cases and allows minors aged 13 and older to consent to forensic examinations and medical care for sexually transmitted diseases resulting from sexual assault. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2024, and includes a provision ensuring the enforceability of the remaining parts if any section is deemed invalid.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 7.68.020, 7.68.060, 9A.88.030, 51.52.050, 7.68.080, 7.68.094, 7.68.170, 7.68.803, 7.69.010, 7.69.030, 9A.44.020, 9A.44.040, 70.02.220, 70.24.110
Substitute Bill: 7.68.020, 7.68.060, 9A.88.030, 51.52.050, 7.68.094, 7.68.170, 7.68.803, 7.69.010, 7.69.030, 9A.44.020, 9A.44.040, 13.40.210
Second Substitute: 7.68.020, 7.68.060, 9A.88.030, 51.52.050, 7.68.094, 7.68.170, 7.68.803, 7.69.010, 7.69.030, 9A.44.020, 9A.44.040, 13.40.210
Engrossed Second Substitute: 7.68.020, 7.68.060, 9A.88.030, 51.52.050, 7.68.094, 7.68.170, 7.68.803, 7.69.010, 7.69.030, 9A.44.020, 9A.44.040, 13.40.210
Bill as Passed Legislature: 7.68.020, 7.68.060, 9A.88.030, 51.52.050, 7.68.094, 7.68.170, 7.68.803, 7.69.010, 7.69.030, 9A.44.020, 9A.44.040, 13.40.210
Session Law: 7.68.020, 7.68.060, 9A.88.030, 51.52.050, 7.68.094, 7.68.170, 7.68.803, 7.69.010, 7.69.030, 9A.44.020, 9A.44.040, 13.40.210