The bill proposes a comprehensive overhaul of the felony sentencing framework in Washington State, introducing a new sentencing grid that categorizes offenses by seriousness levels and offender scores. It establishes minimum and maximum sentences for various crimes, with severe penalties for serious offenses like aggravated murder, including life sentences without parole. The bill also includes provisions for increased sentences for repeat offenders of violent crimes and modifies the calculation of offender scores, ensuring that certain prior convictions, such as simple misdemeanors, do not negatively impact an offender's score unless they have multiple such convictions within a specified timeframe. Additionally, it clarifies that confinement for community custody violations does not count towards calculating time since the last release from confinement.

Furthermore, the bill amends existing laws to enhance accountability and transparency in the criminal justice system, particularly regarding serious offenses and legal financial obligations. It introduces new definitions and classifications for various crimes, including elevating the classification of sexual exploitation of a minor from a class B felony to a class A felony. The bill also establishes an "Intermediate Sanctions Sentencing Alternative" to provide community-based options for certain felony offenses, emphasizing rehabilitative services and compliance with state standards. The act is set to take effect for offenses committed on or after August 1, 2028, allowing for a transition period to implement these significant changes.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 9.94A.518, 9.94A.525, 9.94A.537, 9.94A.585, 9.94A.030, 9.68A.040, 46.61.504, 69.55.010, 18.64.046, 9.94A.470, 9.94A.475, 9.94A.510, 9.94A.517, 9.94A.530, 9.94A.660, 9.94A.729, 9.94A.833, 10.01.210, 9.94A.506