The bill aims to provide greater opportunities for rehabilitation for individuals convicted of crimes committed before their 18th birthday by allowing them to petition the indeterminate sentence review board for early release after reaching the age of 24. It recognizes the unconstitutionality of mandatory life sentences for minors and emphasizes the importance of rehabilitation during critical brain development years. The bill amends RCW 9.94A.730, removing the requirement of serving a minimum of 20 years before petitioning for early release and instead allowing individuals to petition once they reach the age of 24, provided they meet certain conditions regarding prior convictions and infractions.

Additionally, the bill introduces provisions for the department to provide rental vouchers to individuals who successfully petition for release, aiming to facilitate their reintegration into the community. It establishes a cap of 70 petitions per year that can be acted upon, prioritizing those under 25 in the custody of the department of children, youth, and families, and those who have recently transitioned from that department to the department of corrections. The act is set to expire on July 1, 2035, and is officially titled the "youth hope act."

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 9.94A.730