The bill amends various sections of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) to reform the management and enforcement of legal financial obligations, particularly focusing on the treatment of offenders and their ability to pay. A new section added to chapter 10.01 RCW states that any previously imposed judgments for costs, fees, and interest on legal financial obligations that have been eliminated or repealed by this act will no longer be enforceable after the effective date, and courts are prohibited from accepting payments for these obligations. The bill also allows courts to waive uncollectible portions of legal financial obligations and establishes a process for clerks to seek judicial orders to waive outstanding debts. Additionally, it modifies the collection and remittance of costs, fees, and fines, setting a 12 percent interest rate on penalties and ensuring that no interest accrues on criminal penalties imposed after June 7, 2018.

Significant changes include the elimination of fees for participation in work crew programs, the establishment of minimum monthly payments for restitution based on offenders' ability to pay, and the requirement for courts to order restitution in all cases where victims are entitled to benefits under the crime victims' compensation act. The bill also introduces a new definition of "indigent" to broaden the criteria for determining a defendant's financial status and ensures that defendants are not penalized for nonpayment if they lack the ability to pay. Furthermore, it streamlines the fee structure for court services, prohibits the charging of filing fees in criminal cases, and establishes a judicial stabilization trust account to support judicial branch agencies. Overall, the bill aims to enhance fairness and transparency in the enforcement of legal financial obligations while promoting accountability and support for vulnerable populations.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 3.50.100, 3.62.020, 3.62.040, 3.66.120, 7.105.450, 9.92.060, 9.94A.725, 9.94A.750, 9.94A.753, 9.94A.760, 9.95.210, 10.99.020, 10.01.170, 10.05.140, 10.05.170, 10.64.015, 10.64.120, 10.82.070, 10.101.020, 35.20.220, 36.18.016, 36.18.020, 4.56.110, 6.17.020, 7.68.035, 9.92.070, 9.94A.6333, 9.94B.040, 10.01.090, 9A.08.030, 10.01.185, 43.79.505
Substitute Bill: 3.50.100, 3.62.020, 3.62.040, 3.66.120, 9.92.060, 9.94A.725, 9.94A.750, 9.94A.753, 9.94A.760, 9.95.210, 10.99.020, 10.01.170, 10.05.140, 10.05.170, 10.64.015, 10.64.120, 10.82.070, 10.101.020, 35.20.220, 36.18.016, 36.18.020, 4.56.110, 6.17.020, 7.68.035, 9.92.070, 9.94A.6333, 9.94B.040, 10.01.090, 9A.08.030, 10.01.185, 43.79.505