Criminal Justice (Domestic Violence)

SB 5285 would allow Washington cities and counties to impose a 0.10% sales tax to fund additional commissioned law enforcement officers. Jurisdictions must use the revenue solely for hiring officers unless their current officer-to-population ratio exceeds the national average (calculated using FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data), in which case funds can support broader criminal justice programs like domestic violence services or homelessness initiatives. The bill targets Washington's high violent crime rates and low officer staffing - ranking last in the nation for officers per capita - by creating a dedicated funding stream for local law enforcement expansion. It requires jurisdictions to report staffing data annually and mandates that tax revenue directly supports law enforcement employment.

HB 1591 allows Washington courts to reduce criminal sentences or use alternative sentencing for defendants who were victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, or human trafficking at the time of their offense. To qualify, the court must find that the abuse significantly contributed to the defendant's criminal conduct and that standard sentencing would be excessively severe. If eligible, the court may impose a reduced prison term combined with extended community supervision instead of full incarceration, while excluding certain serious offenses like murder or sex crimes requiring registration. The bill also permits resentencing for current inmates serving eight+ year sentences who meet the criteria.

SB 5202 aims to improve the effectiveness of judicial protection orders for survivors of abuse and support law enforcement. It requires courts, including limited jurisdiction courts by January 2026, to implement electronic submission and tracking systems for protection order petitions, allowing remote filing and providing electronic notifications to parties. The bill also mandates the use of a confidential information form to aid identification and service, and prohibits courts from charging petitioners fees or requiring bonds for these orders. Furthermore, it ensures that relief for protection orders cannot be denied or delayed due to other pending legal matters.

HB 1110 allows individuals convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) or related offenses (RCW 46.61.502/504) to apply to have their conviction records vacated, meaning the conviction is removed from their legal record. To qualify, applicants must have completed all sentence terms (including fines), have no pending charges, and not have recent alcohol/drug violations or domestic violence convictions. The bill specifically restricts vacating records for DUI offenses if the applicant has a subsequent DUI conviction within five years, is on probation for a DUI, or holds a commercial driver's license. It also includes special provisions for victims of trafficking or domestic violence. This process applies only to misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor DUI convictions meeting all specified criteria.

HB 1362 creates a pilot program allowing courts in Washington to divert eligible individuals with gambling addiction from traditional sentencing. It requires courts to hold hearings before sentencing to determine if a crime was committed due to gambling addiction, and if so, to place the person in a treatment program supervised by mental health professionals. The program mandates restitution payments, regular progress reports, and referrals to community resources, with costs covered by the participant or through community service if they cannot pay. It excludes individuals convicted of violent crimes (like assault or domestic violence) or with prior convictions for similar offenses.