The bill amends Washington state law to reform the sentencing framework for individuals who committed offenses before the age of 21. It establishes a new minimum term of total confinement for aggravated first-degree murder, aligning it with RCW 10.95.030 instead of a fixed 25 years. The legislation also adjusts the age threshold for certain serious crimes, such as murder and assault, from 18 to 21 years, and introduces defined minimum sentences for these offenses. Additionally, it allows individuals convicted of crimes as juveniles to petition for early release after serving a minimum of 15 to 25 years, contingent on their behavior and the nature of their crime.

Moreover, the bill repeals previous laws that mandated life sentences without the possibility of parole for offenses committed by individuals under 18, making the new provisions retroactive for those currently incarcerated. It emphasizes public safety in the release decision-making process and includes measures for victim involvement in hearings. The bill also specifies that persistent offenders are ineligible for early release options, except under certain conditions, and it includes a provision that nullifies the bill if specific funding for its implementation is not secured by a designated date.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 9.94A.510, 9.94A.540, 9.94A.570, 9.94A.730, 9.94A.729, 10.95.030
Substitute Bill: 9.94A.510, 9.94A.540, 9.94A.570, 9.94A.730, 9.94A.729, 10.95.030