The bill aims to provide individuals convicted of crimes committed before their 18th birthday with the opportunity to petition the indeterminate sentence review board for early release after they reach the age of 24. It recognizes the unconstitutionality of mandatory life sentences for minors and emphasizes the importance of rehabilitation during critical brain development years. The bill amends RCW 9.94A.730, allowing eligible individuals to petition for early release without the previous requirement of serving a minimum of 20 years of confinement. It also introduces specific conditions that must be met prior to filing a petition, such as not having committed any crimes in the 12 months leading up to the petition.

Additionally, the bill establishes a cap of 70 petitions per year that can be acted upon by the department of corrections or the board, prioritizing those under 25 in the custody of the department of children, youth, and families. It includes provisions for rental assistance for successful petitioners and mandates assessments to prepare offenders for community reintegration. The act is set to expire on July 1, 2035, and is officially titled the "Youth Hope Act."

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 9.94A.730
Substitute Bill: 9.94A.730