The bill amends existing laws regarding the county and municipal criminal justice assistance accounts in Washington State, specifically RCW 82.14.310, 82.14.320, and 82.14.330. It significantly increases the annual transfers from the general fund to both the county and municipal criminal justice assistance accounts, raising the amounts from $23.2 million and $4.6 million to $50 million each, with future increases tied to the fiscal growth factor. Additionally, starting in fiscal year 2026, the transfers to both accounts will increase by 50 percent, followed by annual adjustments based on the fiscal growth factor.

The bill also clarifies the eligibility criteria for cities to receive funds from the municipal account, removing previous requirements related to tax levies and per capita yield thresholds. It emphasizes that funds must be used exclusively for criminal justice purposes and cannot replace existing funding. The bill maintains provisions for appropriations for enhancements to the state patrol crime laboratory system and outlines specific distribution methods for the funds, ensuring that they are allocated based on population and crime rates while prohibiting cities that decriminalize or repeal their criminal codes from receiving funds unless they reimburse the county for associated costs.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 82.14.310, 82.14.320, 82.14.330