The proposed bill aims to improve the reentry process for incarcerated individuals in Washington State, with a focus on reducing recidivism and enhancing public safety. It introduces a new section that establishes a survivor and recovery-informed pilot program at the Washington Corrections Center for Women, specifically designed to support incarcerated survivors of sexual and intimate partner violence through peer support specialists and collaboration with public university volunteers for evaluation. Additionally, the bill amends existing laws regarding earned release time, ensuring that offenders can earn credits for presentence incarceration and clarifying the conditions for early release, particularly for women who have experienced trauma.

Key amendments to RCW 9.94A.729 include changes in terminology related to earned release time, specifying that offenders sentenced for certain serious offenses will not receive good time credits for enhancements. The bill also outlines the responsibilities of the Department of Corrections in managing release plans and providing support services, such as rental vouchers and transition programming. Furthermore, it enhances the rights of victims and survivors by allowing them to submit victim impact statements, present statements at sentencing hearings, and seek compliance through the superior court if their rights are violated. The bill emphasizes that compliance with these rights is the only available remedy for violations.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 9.94A.729, 9.94A.728, 9.94A.733
Substitute bill: 9.94A.729, 7.69.030