The bill amends various sections of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) to reform the management of legal financial obligations, focusing on the enforcement and collection of costs, fees, and interest. A key insertion is the establishment of a new section declaring that any previously imposed judgments for costs, fees, and interest eliminated by this act are unenforceable, with courts prohibited from accepting payments for these obligations after the effective date. The bill also allows courts to waive uncollectible portions of legal financial obligations, excluding restitution, upon an offender's motion. Additionally, it modifies the collection and remittance processes for district and municipal courts, specifying that 32% of noninterest money collected must be remitted to the state treasurer and clarifying the definition of "certain costs" in civil and criminal actions.

Further amendments include changes to the eligibility criteria for work crew programs, the restitution process, and the handling of deferred prosecution petitions. The bill eliminates fees for participation in work crew programs and mandates that courts set minimum monthly restitution payments based on offenders' ability to pay. It also prohibits charging costs to indigent defendants and ensures that penalty assessments are directed to support crime victim programs. Overall, the bill aims to provide clearer guidelines for financial obligations, enhance support for indigent defendants, and streamline the legal framework surrounding penalties and restitution, reflecting a shift towards a more rehabilitative approach in the criminal justice system.

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