The bill significantly amends Washington state law concerning crime victim penalty assessments and legal financial obligations (LFOs) for offenders. It raises the penalty assessment for felony or gross misdemeanor convictions from $500 to $1,000 and for misdemeanor convictions from $250 to $500. Courts are now authorized to impose surcharges on these assessments to fund victim services and provide opportunities for defendants to repair harm. The legislation also includes provisions for waiving penalties for indigent defendants and establishes that the penalty assessment must be part of the sentencing process, prioritizing restitution to victims. Notably, it clarifies that these assessments and surcharges cannot be reduced or waived except as specified in the law.

Additionally, the bill addresses the payment of LFOs, allowing courts to require non-indigent offenders to cover their incarceration costs, capped at $50 per day for prison and $100 per day for county jail. It introduces measures for enforcing restitution obligations, particularly for serious crimes, and protects indigent offenders from penalties for nonpayment. The bill also modifies community placement and supervision provisions for offenders released after civil detention, ensuring continued oversight by the Department of Corrections. Furthermore, it mandates that crime victim penalty assessments be included in probation conditions for domestic violence offenders, with courts required to assess the willfulness of nonpayment based on the defendant's financial situation.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 7.68.035, 9.92.060, 9.94A.6333, 9.94B.040, 9.95.210, 10.99.020
Substitute bill: 7.68.035, 9.92.060, 9.94A.6333, 9.94A.760, 9.94B.040, 9.95.210, 10.99.020