This bill amends RCW 9.94A.525 to clarify the treatment of out-of-state and foreign convictions in calculating an offender's score, in response to the Washington Supreme Court's decision in State v. Lewis. The legislation explicitly states that out-of-state convictions, including those from foreign countries, will be considered in the offender score calculation, provided they were obtained with sufficient safeguards for fundamental fairness and due process. This change aims to eliminate ambiguity in the sentencing reform act regarding how these convictions are treated.

Additionally, the bill outlines the rules for calculating the offender score, including the treatment of various classes of prior convictions and the conditions under which they may be included or excluded. It specifies that prior convictions for certain offenses, such as Class A felonies and sex offenses, will always be included, while others may be excluded based on the offender's conduct since their last release from confinement. The bill also emphasizes that prior convictions not included in an offender's score during previous sentencing can still be counted in current or future sentencing, ensuring a comprehensive approach to criminal history assessment.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 9.94A.525