This bill amends RCW 13.40.192 to address the enforcement of legal financial obligations imposed on juveniles prior to July 1, 2023. It establishes that any judgment against a juvenile for legal financial obligations, excluding restitution, will not be enforceable after July 1, 2023. The bill specifies that such debts will be rendered null and void and considered satisfied by July 1, 2027, following a phased schedule based on the filing dates of the cases. Additionally, it allows for individual relief from the court and permits the presiding judge to authorize an administrative process to waive uncollectible debts, ensuring that these debts do not affect an individual's credit or appear in background checks.

Furthermore, the bill mandates that the clerk of the superior court cannot accept payments for these legal financial obligations after the specified date and outlines the process for waiving outstanding debts. It also requires the administrative office of the courts to submit an annual report to the legislature on the implementation of the act, starting November 1, 2024. This legislative change aims to alleviate the financial burden on juveniles and streamline the management of their legal financial obligations.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 13.40.192
Substitute Bill: 13.40.192
Engrossed Substitute: 13.40.192
Bill as Passed Legislature: 13.40.192
Session Law: 13.40.192