The bill amends RCW 9.94A.695 to refine the eligibility criteria for the mental health sentencing alternative. Key changes include specifying that defendants convicted of serious violent offenses, sex offenses (excluding failure to register), and certain domestic violence offenses are ineligible unless both the victim and prosecuting attorney consent. Additionally, the bill introduces a requirement that defendants must have no prior violent convictions within the last ten years and must be diagnosed with a psychotic disorder, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder with psychotic features. The bill also emphasizes the need for a treatment plan and the court's consideration of the victim's opinion regarding the sentencing alternative.

Furthermore, the bill mandates that progress hearings be scheduled monthly for the first six months and quarterly thereafter, allowing the court to evaluate the defendant's compliance with treatment. It also establishes that the health care authority will contract with providers to deliver mental health assessments and treatment plan development for participants in the sentencing alternative. The bill aims to ensure that defendants receive appropriate supervision and treatment while balancing the interests of the community and victims.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 9.94A.695