The bill amends several sections of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) to update definitions and eligibility criteria related to partial confinement and criminal offenses. A significant change is the revision of the definition of "partial confinement," which now allows for a duration of "up to 18 months," replacing the previous limit of "no more than one year." This amendment aims to provide greater flexibility in sentencing options, including work release, home detention, and electronic monitoring. Additionally, the bill introduces new definitions for terms such as "persistent offender," "predatory," and "recidivist offense," clarifying the criteria for classifying individuals based on their criminal history. It also specifies definitions related to victimization, enhancing the legal framework for addressing issues like domestic violence and sex trafficking.
Furthermore, the bill revises laws regarding home detention and graduated reentry programs for incarcerated individuals, emphasizing a rehabilitative approach by replacing the term "offender" with "incarcerated individual." Key changes include extending the maximum duration for home detention in parenting programs from 12 to 18 months and clarifying participation criteria, such as prohibiting those with serious violent or sex offense convictions. The bill mandates that individuals in home detention must have an approved residence and undergo evaluations for substance use disorders. It also outlines the responsibilities of the overseeing department, including electronic monitoring and treatment participation, while establishing new data collection requirements. Overall, the bill aims to improve the categorization and treatment of offenders within the justice system while supporting the reintegration of parents into their children's lives.
Statutes affected: Original Bill: 9.94A.030, 9.94A.6551, 9.94A.733, 9.94A.728