The bill, known as the Juvenile Rehabilitation Overcrowding Relief Act (J-RORA), aims to improve the management and rehabilitation of youth in juvenile rehabilitation institutions in Washington State. It addresses the critical issue of overcrowding, which negatively impacts rehabilitation efforts, by introducing new definitions and provisions for community-based rehabilitation and supervision. Key amendments include the establishment of a formal inmate classification system, comprehensive diagnostic evaluations at intake, and the introduction of the term "rated bed capacity," which defines the maximum number of individuals that should reside in these institutions to ensure effective treatment. The bill also emphasizes the development of regional facilities, effective disciplinary policies, and placement criteria to protect vulnerable youth.

Additionally, the bill outlines new protocols for the transfer of individuals between juvenile rehabilitation institutions and community facilities, particularly when the population exceeds 105% of rated bed capacity. It specifies eligibility criteria for transfers and mandates notification to law enforcement and educational institutions regarding the release or transfer of juvenile offenders. Significant changes include restrictions on transferring individuals from the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) to the Department of Corrections (DOC) until they reach 25 years of age, unless safety concerns arise. The bill also requires DCYF to review placements for individuals over 18 and plan for potential releases when the population reaches 90% of rated capacity, ensuring a focus on both public safety and the rehabilitation of youth in custody.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 72.01.410, 13.40.280
Substitute Bill: 13.40.020, 13.40.460, 72.65.200, 13.40.280, 13.40.215, 72.01.410
Second Substitute: 13.40.020, 13.40.460, 72.65.200, 13.40.280, 13.40.215, 72.01.410
Engrossed Second Substitute: 13.40.020, 13.40.460, 72.65.200, 13.40.280, 13.40.215, 72.01.410