The bill seeks to implement recommendations from the sex offender policy board by amending the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) to clarify penalties for failure to register as a sex offender. It establishes that failure to register is a class C felony for those with felony sex offense convictions and a gross misdemeanor for non-felony offenses. The bill removes previous distinctions based on the number of prior convictions, streamlining the legal framework. Additionally, it introduces penalties for failure to register as a kidnapping offender and clarifies that violations of registration requirements are ongoing offenses, impacting the statute of limitations.

Moreover, the bill revises definitions and classifications of various offenses, particularly concerning sexual and violent crimes, and expands the community custody requirements for offenders. It mandates community custody sentences for serious violent and sex offenses, as well as for repeat offenders of failure to register. The bill also emphasizes the supervision of high-risk offenders and the development of individual reentry plans by the Department of Corrections, aiming to enhance public safety and reduce recidivism. New provisions for reviewing sex offender registration processes are included, with a report due by December 1, 2025, and certain sections set to take effect on January 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 9A.44.132, 9A.44.140, 9.94A.030, 9A.44.144, 9.94A.701, 9A.20.021
Substitute Bill: 9A.44.132, 9A.04.080, 9.94A.030, 9.94A.701, 9A.20.021, 9.94A.501, 9.94A.717