This bill seeks to reform the juvenile justice system in Washington by enhancing alternatives to confinement for individuals under 18 who have committed criminal offenses, with a focus on addressing racial disparities in juvenile court outcomes. It introduces new legal language that modifies existing laws to allow for greater local decision-making and facilitates the transition of rehabilitated youth to less-restrictive placement options. Key provisions include amendments to the juvenile sentencing grid, the establishment of a more flexible approach to sentencing that considers individual circumstances, and the introduction of treatment options for youth with substance use or mental health issues. The bill also emphasizes community safety while allowing for rehabilitation, requiring courts to maintain concurrent jurisdiction over juveniles committed for certain offenses and mandating credit for any confinement time previously served when revoking a suspension of a disposition.

Additionally, the bill clarifies definitions and establishes new regulations regarding juvenile rehabilitation facilities, including the definition of "rated bed capacity" and the responsibilities of the secretary of the department of children, youth, and families. It mandates monitoring of juvenile rehabilitation institutions to manage populations effectively and requires annual reporting to the legislature. The legislation also introduces provisions for the management and transfer of individuals within the juvenile justice system, emphasizing risk assessments and security classifications before placement in community facilities. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the rehabilitative approach of the juvenile justice system while ensuring public safety and accountability for serious offenses.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 13.40.160, 13.40.165, 13.40.185, 13.40.0357, 13.40.210, 13.40.230, 13.40.300, 9.92.151, 13.40.193, 13.40.308, 13.40.020, 13.40.460, 72.65.200, 72.05.420, 13.40.215, 72.01.410, 13.40.280, 13.40.205