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 restitution for crime victims. It introduces a new section that renders previously imposed judgments for costs, fees, and interest on legal financial obligations unenforceable if eliminated by the act, and prohibits courts from accepting payments for these obligations. Additionally, the bill allows courts to waive uncollectible portions of legal financial obligations upon request from offenders. It also specifies that 32 percent of noninterest money collected must be remitted to the state treasurer and clarifies the definition of "certain costs" in civil and criminal actions. The bill establishes that penalties, fines, and costs may accrue interest only while in collection status, with specific provisions for criminal proceedings.

Moreover, the bill modifies eligibility criteria for work crew programs, excluding sex offenders and allowing credit for hours worked at approved employment. It eliminates fees for participation in work crew programs and revises the restitution process to ensure minimum monthly payments are set without delay until an offender's release. The bill mandates that courts order restitution in cases where victims are entitled to benefits under the crime victims' compensation act and allows the Department of Labor and Industries to petition for restitution orders if not ordered by the court. It also emphasizes that no additional fees or penalties may be charged for legal financial obligations, aiming to enhance the clarity and fairness of financial obligations while ensuring victims receive appropriate restitution.

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