The bill amends Washington State's juvenile detention laws, specifically RCW 13.40.040 and RCW 13.40.020, by introducing new criteria for detaining juveniles. It allows for detention if a juvenile is alleged to have committed a crime involving a firearm or a stolen vehicle. Additionally, juveniles found guilty of serious offenses, such as rape and unlawful possession of a firearm, are mandated to be detained pending disposition. The bill also updates definitions related to juvenile offenses, including a new classification for "motor vehicle theft offenses," and clarifies the conditions for juvenile release from detention, emphasizing compliance with court orders and the involvement of parents or guardians.

Moreover, the bill introduces new definitions and clarifications concerning juvenile justice and mental health services. It defines "screening" for identifying children at risk of mental health or substance abuse disorders and expands the term "serious threat to public safety" to include community safety threats. The bill also clarifies the meanings of "services," "transportation" for incarcerated pregnant youth, "violation," and "violent offense," while defining "youth court" as a diversion unit under juvenile court supervision. These changes aim to improve the legal framework governing juvenile detention and enhance the understanding of juvenile justice processes, particularly regarding mental health and community safety.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 13.40.040, 13.40.020