The bill amends the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) concerning clemency and pardons, with a focus on the supervision of individuals on probation or community custody. It replaces the term "offenders" with "individuals" to promote a more person-centered approach. The legislation specifies the categories of individuals who will be supervised, including those convicted of certain sexual and domestic violence offenses and those classified as high risk to reoffend. It also establishes that individuals granted conditional commutation by the governor will be supervised if community custody is a condition of their release. The bill outlines community-based sanctions for violations of sentence conditions and clarifies the governor's authority to grant pardons or clemency, particularly emphasizing that individuals serving life sentences without parole should not be considered for release until they are no longer deemed a threat to society.

Additionally, the bill expands the clemency and pardons board from five to ten members, ensuring diversity in appointments, including individuals with lived experience related to incarceration. It allows board members to receive compensation and travel expenses and establishes a structured process for reviewing petitions for commutation and pardons, which includes public hearings and notifications to relevant parties. The bill mandates annual reporting to the governor and legislature on board activities and individuals granted clemency. New provisions enhance the board's operational framework, requiring training on racial equity and restorative justice, and specify that individuals are eligible for clemency regardless of immigration status. A provision that would have made the bill null and void without specific funding was vetoed by the governor, allowing the act to take effect without designated budget funding.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 9.94A.501, 9.94A.717, 9.94A.633, 9.94A.728, 9.94A.880
Substitute Bill: 9.94A.501, 9.94A.717, 9.94A.633, 9.94A.728, 9.94A.880
Second Substitute: 9.94A.501, 9.94A.717, 9.94A.633, 9.94A.728, 9.94A.880
Engrossed Second Substitute: 9.94A.501, 9.94A.717, 9.94A.633, 9.94A.728, 9.94A.880
Bill as Passed Legislature: 9.94A.501, 9.94A.717, 9.94A.633, 9.94A.728, 9.94A.880
Session Law: 9.94A.501, 9.94A.717, 9.94A.633, 9.94A.728, 9.94A.880