This bill aims to retroactively amend the sentencing laws in Washington State by excluding certain juvenile convictions from an offender's score, thereby preventing these convictions from lengthening prison sentences. The legislation recognizes the disproportionate impact of juvenile felony adjudications on Black, Indigenous, and people of color, and acknowledges the historical trauma associated with the mass incarceration of Indigenous children. It establishes a new section in chapter 9.94A RCW that allows individuals sentenced for offenses committed before July 23, 2023, to petition for resentencing if their offender score was increased due to juvenile adjudications that are no longer scorable under current law.
The bill outlines specific criteria for eligibility for resentencing, including the length of time served and the nature of the petitioner's disciplinary record while incarcerated. It also emphasizes the rights of victims and survivors during the resentencing process, ensuring they are informed and allowed to present statements at hearings. Additionally, the legislation mandates the establishment of victim advocacy services and a flexible fund to support victims impacted by the changes. The intent is to create a more equitable legal framework that addresses past injustices while also considering the rights and needs of victims.