BILL REQ. #:  H-4843.2 



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SUBSTITUTE HOUSE BILL 2968
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State of Washington60th Legislature2008 Regular Session

By House Public Safety & Emergency Preparedness (originally sponsored by Representatives Pearson, O'Brien, Kelley, Simpson, and Kretz)

READ FIRST TIME 02/05/08.   



     AN ACT Relating to crimes against persons; amending RCW 9.94A.421, 9.94A.431, 9.94A.470, 9.94A.501, 9.94A.545, 9.94A.640, 9.94A.728, 10.77.092, 10.97.050, 13.40.070, 13.40.077, 43.43.8321, and 43.43.842; reenacting and amending RCW 9.94A.030, 9.94A.411, and 9.94A.715; and creating a new section.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

Sec. 1   RCW 9.94A.030 and 2006 c 139 s 5, 2006 c 124 s 1, 2006 c 122 s 7, 2006 c 73 s 5, and 2005 c 436 s 1 are each reenacted and amended to read as follows:
     Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, the definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter.
     (1) "Board" means the indeterminate sentence review board created under chapter 9.95 RCW.
     (2) "Collect," or any derivative thereof, "collect and remit," or "collect and deliver," when used with reference to the department, means that the department, either directly or through a collection agreement authorized by RCW 9.94A.760, is responsible for monitoring and enforcing the offender's sentence with regard to the legal financial obligation, receiving payment thereof from the offender, and, consistent with current law, delivering daily the entire payment to the superior court clerk without depositing it in a departmental account.
     (3) "Commission" means the sentencing guidelines commission.
     (4) "Community corrections officer" means an employee of the department who is responsible for carrying out specific duties in supervision of sentenced offenders and monitoring of sentence conditions.
     (5) "Community custody" means that portion of an offender's sentence of confinement in lieu of earned release time or imposed pursuant to RCW 9.94A.505(2)(b), 9.94A.650 through 9.94A.670, 9.94A.690, 9.94A.700 through 9.94A.715, or 9.94A.545, served in the community subject to controls placed on the offender's movement and activities by the department. For offenders placed on community custody for crimes committed on or after July 1, 2000, the department shall assess the offender's risk of reoffense and may establish and modify conditions of community custody, in addition to those imposed by the court, based upon the risk to community safety.
     (6) "Community custody range" means the minimum and maximum period of community custody included as part of a sentence under RCW 9.94A.715, as established by the commission or the legislature under RCW 9.94A.850, for crimes committed on or after July 1, 2000.
     (7) "Community placement" means that period during which the offender is subject to the conditions of community custody and/or postrelease supervision, which begins either upon completion of the term of confinement (postrelease supervision) or at such time as the offender is transferred to community custody in lieu of earned release. Community placement may consist of entirely community custody, entirely postrelease supervision, or a combination of the two.
     (8) "Community protection zone" means the area within eight hundred eighty feet of the facilities and grounds of a public or private school.
     (9) "Community restitution" means compulsory service, without compensation, performed for the benefit of the community by the offender.
     (10) "Community supervision" means a period of time during which a convicted offender is subject to crime-related prohibitions and other sentence conditions imposed by a court pursuant to this chapter or RCW 16.52.200(6) or 46.61.524. Where the court finds that any offender has a chemical dependency that has contributed to his or her offense, the conditions of supervision may, subject to available resources, include treatment. For purposes of the interstate compact for out-of-state supervision of parolees and probationers, RCW 9.95.270, community supervision is the functional equivalent of probation and should be considered the same as probation by other states.
     (11) "Confinement" means total or partial confinement.
     (12) "Conviction" means an adjudication of guilt pursuant to Titles 10 or 13 RCW and includes a verdict of guilty, a finding of guilty, and acceptance of a plea of guilty.
     (13) "Crime against persons" means any of the following felonies or a felony attempt, solicitation, or conspiracy to commit any of the following felonies:
     (a) Aggravated first degree murder;
     (b) Arson in the first degree;
     (c) Assault in the first degree;
     (d) Assault in the second degree;
     (e) Assault in the third degree;
     (f) Assault of a child in the first degree;
     (g) Assault of a child in the second degree;
     (h) Assault of a child in the third degree;
     (i) Bomb threat (if against a person);
     (j) Burglary in the first degree;
     (k) Child molestation in the first degree;
     (l) Child molestation in the second degree;
     (m) Child molestation in the third degree;
     (n) Communicating with a minor for immoral purposes;
     (o) Counterfeiting (if a violation of RCW 9.16.035(4));
     (p) Custodial assault;
     (q) Domestic violence court order violation (RCW 10.99.040, 10.99.050, 26.09.300, 26.10.220, 26.26.138, 26.50.110, 26.52.070, or 74.34.145);
     (r) Extortion in the first degree;
     (s) Extortion in the second degree;
     (t) Incest in the first degree;
     (u) Incest in the second degree;
     (v) Identity theft in the first degree;
     (w) Identity theft in the second degree;
     (x) Indecent liberties;
     (y) Intimidating a juror;
     (z) Intimidating a public servant;
     (aa) Intimidating a witness;
     (bb) Kidnapping in the first degree;
     (cc) Kidnapping in the second degree;
     (dd) Manslaughter in the first degree;
     (ee) Manslaughter in the second degree;
     (ff) Murder in the first degree;
     (gg) Murder in the second degree;
     (hh) Promoting a suicide attempt;
     (ii) Promoting prostitution in the first degree;
     (jj) Rape in the first degree;
     (kk) Rape in the second degree;
     (ll) Rape in the third degree;
     (mm) Rape of a child in the first degree;
     (nn) Rape of a child in the second degree;
     (oo) Rape of a child in the third degree;
     (pp) Riot (against a person);
     (qq) Robbery in the first degree;
     (rr) Robbery in the second degree;
     (ss) Stalking;
     (tt) Unlawful imprisonment;
     (uu) Vehicular assault; or
     (vv) Vehicular homicide.
     (14)
"Crime-related prohibition" means an order of a court prohibiting conduct that directly relates to the circumstances of the crime for which the offender has been convicted, and shall not be construed to mean orders directing an offender affirmatively to participate in rehabilitative programs or to otherwise perform affirmative conduct. However, affirmative acts necessary to monitor compliance with the order of a court may be required by the department.
     (((14))) (15) "Criminal history" means the list of a defendant's prior convictions and juvenile adjudications, whether in this state, in federal court, or elsewhere.
     (a) The history shall include, where known, for each conviction (i) whether the defendant has been placed on probation and the length and terms thereof; and (ii) whether the defendant has been incarcerated and the length of incarceration.
     (b) A conviction may be removed from a defendant's criminal history only if it is vacated pursuant to RCW 9.96.060, 9.94A.640, 9.95.240, or a similar out-of-state statute, or if the conviction has been vacated pursuant to a governor's pardon.
     (c) The determination of a defendant's criminal history is distinct from the determination of an offender score. A prior conviction that was not included in an offender score calculated pursuant to a former version of the sentencing reform act remains part of the defendant's criminal history.
     (((15))) (16) "Day fine" means a fine imposed by the sentencing court that equals the difference between the offender's net daily income and the reasonable obligations that the offender has for the support of the offender and any dependents.
     (((16))) (17) "Day reporting" means a program of enhanced supervision designed to monitor the offender's daily activities and compliance with sentence conditions, and in which the offender is required to report daily to a specific location designated by the department or the sentencing court.
     (((17))) (18) "Department" means the department of corrections.
     (((18))) (19) "Determinate sentence" means a sentence that states with exactitude the number of actual years, months, or days of total confinement, of partial confinement, of community supervision, the number of actual hours or days of community restitution work, or dollars or terms of a legal financial obligation. The fact that an offender through earned release can reduce the actual period of confinement shall not affect the classification of the sentence as a determinate sentence.
     (((19))) (20) "Disposable earnings" means that part of the earnings of an offender remaining after the deduction from those earnings of any amount required by law to be withheld. For the purposes of this definition, "earnings" means compensation paid or payable for personal services, whether denominated as wages, salary, commission, bonuses, or otherwise, and, notwithstanding any other provision of law making the payments exempt from garnishment, attachment, or other process to satisfy a court-ordered legal financial obligation, specifically includes periodic payments pursuant to pension or retirement programs, or insurance policies of any type, but does not include payments made under Title 50 RCW, except as provided in RCW 50.40.020 and 50.40.050, or Title 74 RCW.
     (((20))) (21) "Drug offender sentencing alternative" is a sentencing option available to persons convicted of a felony offense other than a violent offense or a sex offense and who are eligible for the option under RCW 9.94A.660.
     (((21))) (22) "Drug offense" means:
     (a) Any felony violation of chapter 69.50 RCW except possession of a controlled substance (RCW 69.50.4013) or forged prescription for a controlled substance (RCW 69.50.403);
     (b) Any offense defined as a felony under federal law that relates to the possession, manufacture, distribution, or transportation of a controlled substance; or
     (c) Any out-of-state conviction for an offense that under the laws of this state would be a felony classified as a drug offense under (a) of this subsection.
     (((22))) (23) "Earned release" means earned release from confinement as provided in RCW 9.94A.728.
     (((23))) (24) "Escape" means:
     (a) Sexually violent predator escape (RCW 9A.76.115), escape in the first degree (RCW 9A.76.110), escape in the second degree (RCW 9A.76.120), willful failure to return from furlough (RCW 72.66.060), willful failure to return from work release (RCW 72.65.070), or willful failure to be available for supervision by the department while in community custody (RCW 72.09.310); or
     (b) Any federal or out-of-state conviction for an offense that under the laws of this state would be a felony classified as an escape under (a) of this subsection.
     (((24))) (25) "Felony traffic offense" means:
     (a) Vehicular homicide (RCW 46.61.520), vehicular assault (RCW 46.61.522), eluding a police officer (RCW 46.61.024), felony hit-and-run injury-accident (RCW 46.52.020(4)), felony driving while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug (RCW 46.61.502(6)), or felony physical control of a vehicle while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug (RCW 46.61.504(6)); or
     (b) Any federal or out-of-state conviction for an offense that under the laws of this state would be a felony classified as a felony traffic offense under (a) of this subsection.
     (((25))) (26) "Fine" means a specific sum of money ordered by the sentencing court to be paid by the offender to the court over a specific period of time.
     (((26))) (27) "First-time offender" means any person who has no prior convictions for a felony and is eligible for the first-time offender waiver under RCW 9.94A.650.
     (((27))) (28) "Home detention" means a program of partial confinement available to offenders wherein the offender is confined in a private residence subject to electronic surveillance.
     (((28))) (29) "Legal financial obligation" means a sum of money that is ordered by a superior court of the state of Washington for legal financial obligations which may include restitution to the victim, statutorily imposed crime victims' compensation fees as assessed pursuant to RCW 7.68.035, court costs, county or interlocal drug funds, court-appointed attorneys' fees, and costs of defense, fines, and any other financial obligation that is assessed to the offender as a result of a felony conviction. Upon conviction for vehicular assault while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug, RCW 46.61.522(1)(b), or vehicular homicide while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug, RCW 46.61.520(1)(a), legal financial obligations may also include payment to a public agency of the expense of an emergency response to the incident resulting in the conviction, subject to RCW 38.52.430.
     (((29))) (30) "Most serious offense" means any of the following felonies or a felony attempt to commit any of the following felonies:
     (a) Any felony defined under any law as a class A felony or criminal solicitation of or criminal conspiracy to commit a class A felony;
     (b) Assault in the second degree;
     (c) Assault of a child in the second degree;
     (d) Child molestation in the second degree;
     (e) Controlled substance homicide;
     (f) Extortion in the first degree;
     (g) Incest when committed against a child under age fourteen;
     (h) Indecent liberties;
     (i) Kidnapping in the second degree;
     (j) Leading organized crime;
     (k) Manslaughter in the first degree;
     (l) Manslaughter in the second degree;
     (m) Promoting prostitution in the first degree;
     (n) Rape in the third degree;
     (o) Robbery in the second degree;
     (p) Sexual exploitation;
     (q) Vehicular assault, when caused by the operation or driving of a vehicle by a person while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug or by the operation or driving of a vehicle in a reckless manner;
     (r) Vehicular homicide, when proximately caused by the driving of any vehicle by any person while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug as defined by RCW 46.61.502, or by the operation of any vehicle in a reckless manner;
     (s) Any other class B felony offense with a finding of sexual motivation;
     (t) Any other felony with a deadly weapon verdict under RCW 9.94A.602;
     (u) Any felony offense in effect at any time prior to December 2, 1993, that is comparable to a most serious offense under this subsection, or any federal or out-of-state conviction for an offense that under the laws of this state would be a felony classified as a most serious offense under this subsection;
     (v)(i) A prior conviction for indecent liberties under RCW 9A.88.100(1) (a), (b), and (c), chapter 260, Laws of 1975 1st ex. sess. as it existed until July 1, 1979, RCW 9A.44.100(1) (a), (b), and (c) as it existed from July 1, 1979, until June 11, 1986, and RCW 9A.44.100(1) (a), (b), and (d) as it existed from June 11, 1986, until July 1, 1988;
     (ii) A prior conviction for indecent liberties under RCW 9A.44.100(1)(c) as it existed from June 11, 1986, until July 1, 1988, if: (A) The crime was committed against a child under the age of fourteen; or (B) the relationship between the victim and perpetrator is included in the definition of indecent liberties under RCW 9A.44.100(1)(c) as it existed from July 1, 1988, through July 27, 1997, or RCW 9A.44.100(1) (d) or (e) as it existed from July 25, 1993, through July 27, 1997.
     (((30))) (31) "Nonviolent offense" means an offense which is not a violent offense.
     (((31))) (32) "Offender" means a person who has committed a felony established by state law and is eighteen years of age or older or is less than eighteen years of age but whose case is under superior court jurisdiction under RCW 13.04.030 or has been transferred by the appropriate juvenile court to a criminal court pursuant to RCW 13.40.110. Throughout this chapter, the terms "offender" and "defendant" are used interchangeably.
     (((32))) (33) "Partial confinement" means confinement for no more than one year in a facility or institution operated or utilized under contract by the state or any other unit of government, or, if home detention or work crew has been ordered by the court, in an approved residence, for a substantial portion of each day with the balance of the day spent in the community. Partial confinement includes work release, home detention, work crew, and a combination of work crew and home detention.
     (((33))) (34) "Persistent offender" is an offender who:
     (a)(i) Has been convicted in this state of any felony considered a most serious offense; and
     (ii) Has, before the commission of the offense under (a) of this subsection, been convicted as an offender on at least two separate occasions, whether in this state or elsewhere, of felonies that under the laws of this state would be considered most serious offenses and would be included in the offender score under RCW 9.94A.525; provided that of the two or more previous convictions, at least one conviction must have occurred before the commission of any of the other most serious offenses for which the offender was previously convicted; or
     (b)(i) Has been convicted of: (A) Rape in the first degree, rape of a child in the first degree, child molestation in the first degree, rape in the second degree, rape of a child in the second degree, or indecent liberties by forcible compulsion; (B) any of the following offenses with a finding of sexual motivation: Murder in the first degree, murder in the second degree, homicide by abuse, kidnapping in the first degree, kidnapping in the second degree, assault in the first degree, assault in the second degree, assault of a child in the first degree, assault of a child in the second degree, or burglary in the first degree; or (C) an attempt to commit any crime listed in this subsection (((33))) (34)(b)(i); and
     (ii) Has, before the commission of the offense under (b)(i) of this subsection, been convicted as an offender on at least one occasion, whether in this state or elsewhere, of an offense listed in (b)(i) of this subsection or any federal or out-of-state offense or offense under prior Washington law that is comparable to the offenses listed in (b)(i) of this subsection. A conviction for rape of a child in the first degree constitutes a conviction under (b)(i) of this subsection only when the offender was sixteen years of age or older when the offender committed the offense. A conviction for rape of a child in the second degree constitutes a conviction under (b)(i) of this subsection only when the offender was eighteen years of age or older when the offender committed the offense.
     (((34))) (35) "Postrelease supervision" is that portion of an offender's community placement that is not community custody.
     (((35))) (36) "Predatory" means: (a) The perpetrator of the crime was a stranger to the victim, as defined in this section; (b) the perpetrator established or promoted a relationship with the victim prior to the offense and the victimization of the victim was a significant reason the perpetrator established or promoted the relationship; or (c) the perpetrator was: (i) A teacher, counselor, volunteer, or other person in authority in any public or private school and the victim was a student of the school under his or her authority or supervision. For purposes of this subsection, "school" does not include home-based instruction as defined in RCW 28A.225.010; (ii) a coach, trainer, volunteer, or other person in authority in any recreational activity and the victim was a participant in the activity under his or her authority or supervision; or (iii) a pastor, elder, volunteer, or other person in authority in any church or religious organization, and the victim was a member or participant of the organization under his or her authority.
     (((36))) (37) "Private school" means a school regulated under chapter 28A.195 or 28A.205 RCW.
     (((37))) (38) "Public school" has the same meaning as in RCW 28A.150.010.
     (((38))) (39) "Restitution" means a specific sum of money ordered by the sentencing court to be paid by the offender to the court over a specified period of time as payment of damages. The sum may include both public and private costs.
     (((39))) (40) "Risk assessment" means the application of an objective instrument supported by research and adopted by the department for the purpose of assessing an offender's risk of reoffense, taking into consideration the nature of the harm done by the offender, place and circumstances of the offender related to risk, the offender's relationship to any victim, and any information provided to the department by victims. The results of a risk assessment shall not be based on unconfirmed or unconfirmable allegations.
     (((40))) (41) "Serious traffic offense" means:
     (a) Nonfelony driving while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug (RCW 46.61.502), nonfelony actual physical control while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug (RCW 46.61.504), reckless driving (RCW 46.61.500), or hit-and-run an attended vehicle (RCW 46.52.020(5)); or
     (b) Any federal, out-of-state, county, or municipal conviction for an offense that under the laws of this state would be classified as a serious traffic offense under (a) of this subsection.
     (((41))) (42) "Serious violent offense" is a subcategory of violent offense and means:
     (a)(i) Murder in the first degree;
     (ii) Homicide by abuse;
     (iii) Murder in the second degree;
     (iv) Manslaughter in the first degree;
     (v) Assault in the first degree;
     (vi) Kidnapping in the first degree;
     (vii) Rape in the first degree;
     (viii) Assault of a child in the first degree; or
     (ix) An attempt, criminal solicitation, or criminal conspiracy to commit one of these felonies; or
     (b) Any federal or out-of-state conviction for an offense that under the laws of this state would be a felony classified as a serious violent offense under (a) of this subsection.
     (((42))) (43) "Sex offense" means:
     (a)(i) A felony that is a violation of chapter 9A.44 RCW other than RCW 9A.44.130(((11))) (12);
     (ii) A violation of RCW 9A.64.020;
     (iii) A felony that is a violation of chapter 9.68A RCW other than RCW 9.68A.080; or
     (iv) A felony that is, under chapter 9A.28 RCW, a criminal attempt, criminal solicitation, or criminal conspiracy to commit such crimes;
     (b) Any conviction for a felony offense in effect at any time prior to July 1, 1976, that is comparable to a felony classified as a sex offense in (a) of this subsection;
     (c) A felony with a finding of sexual motivation under RCW 9.94A.835 or 13.40.135; or
     (d) Any federal or out-of-state conviction for an offense that under the laws of this state would be a felony classified as a sex offense under (a) of this subsection.
     (((43))) (44) "Sexual motivation" means that one of the purposes for which the defendant committed the crime was for the purpose of his or her sexual gratification.
     (((44))) (45) "Standard sentence range" means the sentencing court's discretionary range in imposing a nonappealable sentence.
     (((45))) (46) "Statutory maximum sentence" means the maximum length of time for which an offender may be confined as punishment for a crime as prescribed in chapter 9A.20 RCW, RCW 9.92.010, the statute defining the crime, or other statute defining the maximum penalty for a crime.
     (((46))) (47) "Stranger" means that the victim did not know the offender twenty-four hours before the offense.
     (((47))) (48) "Total confinement" means confinement inside the physical boundaries of a facility or institution operated or utilized under contract by the state or any other unit of government for twenty-four hours a day, or pursuant to RCW 72.64.050 and 72.64.060.
     (((48))) (49) "Transition training" means written and verbal instructions and assistance provided by the department to the offender during the two weeks prior to the offender's successful completion of the work ethic camp program. The transition training shall include instructions in the offender's requirements and obligations during the offender's period of community custody.
     (((49))) (50) "Victim" means any person who has sustained emotional, psychological, physical, or financial injury to person or property as a direct result of the crime charged.
     (((50))) (51) "Violent offense" means:
     (a) Any of the following felonies:
     (i) Any felony defined under any law as a class A felony or an attempt to commit a class A felony;
     (ii) Criminal solicitation of or criminal conspiracy to commit a class A felony;
     (iii) Manslaughter in the first degree;
     (iv) Manslaughter in the second degree;
     (v) Indecent liberties if committed by forcible compulsion;
     (vi) Kidnapping in the second degree;
     (vii) Arson in the second degree;
     (viii) Assault in the second degree;
     (ix) Assault of a child in the second degree;
     (x) Extortion in the first degree;
     (xi) Robbery in the second degree;
     (xii) Drive-by shooting;
     (xiii) Vehicular assault, when caused by the operation or driving of a vehicle by a person while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug or by the operation or driving of a vehicle in a reckless manner; and
     (xiv) Vehicular homicide, when proximately caused by the driving of any vehicle by any person while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug as defined by RCW 46.61.502, or by the operation of any vehicle in a reckless manner;
     (b) Any conviction for a felony offense in effect at any time prior to July 1, 1976, that is comparable to a felony classified as a violent offense in (a) of this subsection; and
     (c) Any federal or out-of-state conviction for an offense that under the laws of this state would be a felony classified as a violent offense under (a) or (b) of this subsection.
     (((51))) (52) "Work crew" means a program of partial confinement consisting of civic improvement tasks for the benefit of the community that complies with RCW 9.94A.725.
     (((52))) (53) "Work ethic camp" means an alternative incarceration program as provided in RCW 9.94A.690 designed to reduce recidivism and lower the cost of corrections by requiring offenders to complete a comprehensive array of real-world job and vocational experiences, character-building work ethics training, life management skills development, substance abuse rehabilitation, counseling, literacy training, and basic adult education.
     (((53))) (54) "Work release" means a program of partial confinement available to offenders who are employed or engaged as a student in a regular course of study at school.

Sec. 2   RCW 9.94A.411 and 2006 c 271 s 1 and 2006 c 73 s 13 are each reenacted and amended to read as follows:
     (1) Decision not to prosecute.
     STANDARD: A prosecuting attorney may decline to prosecute, even though technically sufficient evidence to prosecute exists, in situations where prosecution would serve no public purpose, would defeat the underlying purpose of the law in question or would result in decreased respect for the law.
     GUIDELINE/COMMENTARY:
     Examples
     The following are examples of reasons not to prosecute which could satisfy the standard.
     (a) Contrary to Legislative Intent - It may be proper to decline to charge where the application of criminal sanctions would be clearly contrary to the intent of the legislature in enacting the particular statute.
     (b) Antiquated Statute - It may be proper to decline to charge where the statute in question is antiquated in that:
     (i) It has not been enforced for many years; and
     (ii) Most members of society act as if it were no longer in existence; and
     (iii) It serves no deterrent or protective purpose in today's society; and
     (iv) The statute has not been recently reconsidered by the legislature.
     This reason is not to be construed as the basis for declining cases because the law in question is unpopular or because it is difficult to enforce.
     (c) De Minimis Violation - It may be proper to decline to charge where the violation of law is only technical or insubstantial and where no public interest or deterrent purpose would be served by prosecution.
     (d) Confinement on Other Charges - It may be proper to decline to charge because the accused has been sentenced on another charge to a lengthy period of confinement; and
     (i) Conviction of the new offense would not merit any additional direct or collateral punishment;
     (ii) The new offense is either a misdemeanor or a felony which is not particularly aggravated; and
     (iii) Conviction of the new offense would not serve any significant deterrent purpose.
     (e) Pending Conviction on Another Charge - It may be proper to decline to charge because the accused is facing a pending prosecution in the same or another county; and
     (i) Conviction of the new offense would not merit any additional direct or collateral punishment;
     (ii) Conviction in the pending prosecution is imminent;
     (iii) The new offense is either a misdemeanor or a felony which is not particularly aggravated; and
     (iv) Conviction of the new offense would not serve any significant deterrent purpose.
     (f) High Disproportionate Cost of Prosecution - It may be proper to decline to charge where the cost of locating or transporting, or the burden on, prosecution witnesses is highly disproportionate to the importance of prosecuting the offense in question. This reason should be limited to minor cases and should not be relied upon in serious cases.
     (g) Improper Motives of Complainant - It may be proper to decline charges because the motives of the complainant are improper and prosecution would serve no public purpose, would defeat the underlying purpose of the law in question or would result in decreased respect for the law.
     (h) Immunity - It may be proper to decline to charge where immunity is to be given to an accused in order to prosecute another where the accused's information or testimony will reasonably lead to the conviction of others who are responsible for more serious criminal conduct or who represent a greater danger to the public interest.
     (i) Victim Request - It may be proper to decline to charge because the victim requests that no criminal charges be filed and the case involves the following crimes or situations:
     (i) Assault cases where the victim has suffered little or no injury;
     (ii) Crimes against property, not involving violence, where no major loss was suffered;
     (iii) Where doing so would not jeopardize the safety of society.
     Care should be taken to insure that the victim's request is freely made and is not the product of threats or pressure by the accused.
     The presence of these factors may also justify the decision to dismiss a prosecution which has been commenced.
     Notification
     The prosecutor is encouraged to notify the victim, when practical, and the law enforcement personnel, of the decision not to prosecute.
     (2) Decision to prosecute.
     (a) STANDARD:
     Crimes against persons will be filed if sufficient admissible evidence exists, which, when considered with the most plausible, reasonably foreseeable defense that could be raised under the evidence, would justify conviction by a reasonable and objective fact-finder. With regard to offenses prohibited by RCW 9A.44.040, 9A.44.050, 9A.44.073, 9A.44.076, 9A.44.079, 9A.44.083, 9A.44.086, 9A.44.089, and 9A.64.020 the prosecutor should avoid prefiling agreements or diversions intended to place the accused in a program of treatment or counseling, so that treatment, if determined to be beneficial, can be provided pursuant to RCW 9.94A.670.
     Crimes against property/other crimes will be filed if the admissible evidence is of such convincing force as to make it probable that a reasonable and objective fact-finder would convict after hearing all the admissible evidence and the most plausible defense that could be raised.
     See table below for the crimes within these categories.


          CATEGORIZATION OF CRIMES FOR PROSECUTING STANDARDS


     CRIMES ((AGAINST)) AFFECTING PERSONS
     Aggravated Murder
     1st Degree Murder
     2nd Degree Murder
     1st Degree Manslaughter
     2nd Degree Manslaughter
     1st Degree Kidnapping
     2nd Degree Kidnapping
     1st Degree Assault
     2nd Degree Assault
     3rd Degree Assault
     1st Degree Assault of a Child
     2nd Degree Assault of a Child
     3rd Degree Assault of a Child
     1st Degree Rape
     2nd Degree Rape
     3rd Degree Rape
     1st Degree Rape of a Child
     2nd Degree Rape of a Child
     3rd Degree Rape of a Child
     1st Degree Robbery
     2nd Degree Robbery
     1st Degree Arson
     1st Degree Burglary
     1st Degree Identity Theft
     2nd Degree Identity Theft
     1st Degree Extortion
     2nd Degree Extortion
     Indecent Liberties
     Incest
     Vehicular Homicide
     Vehicular Assault
     1st Degree Child Molestation
     2nd Degree Child Molestation
     3rd Degree Child Molestation
     1st Degree Promoting Prostitution
     Intimidating a Juror
     Communication with a Minor
     Intimidating a Witness
     Intimidating a Public Servant
     Bomb Threat (if against person)
     Unlawful Imprisonment
     Promoting a Suicide Attempt
     Riot (if against person)
     Stalking
     Custodial Assault
     Domestic Violence Court Order Violation (RCW 10.99.040, 10.99.050, 26.09.300, 26.10.220, 26.26.138, 26.50.110, 26.52.070, or 74.34.145)
     Counterfeiting (if a violation of RCW 9.16.035(4))
     Felony Driving a Motor Vehicle While Under the Influence of Intoxicating Liquor or Any Drug (RCW 46.61.502(6))
     Felony Physical Control of a Motor Vehicle While Under the Influence of Intoxicating Liquor or Any Drug (RCW 46.61.504(6))

     CRIMES AGAINST PROPERTY/OTHER CRIMES
     2nd Degree Arson
     1st Degree Escape
     2nd Degree Escape
     2nd Degree Burglary
     1st Degree Theft
     2nd Degree Theft
     1st Degree Perjury
     2nd Degree Perjury
     1st Degree Introducing Contraband
     2nd Degree Introducing Contraband
     1st Degree Possession of Stolen Property
     2nd Degree Possession of Stolen Property
     Bribery
     Bribing a Witness
     Bribe received by a Witness
     Bomb Threat (if against property)
     1st Degree Malicious Mischief
     2nd Degree Malicious Mischief
     1st Degree Reckless Burning
     Taking a Motor Vehicle without Authorization
     Forgery
     2nd Degree Promoting Prostitution
     Tampering with a Witness
     Trading in Public Office
     Trading in Special Influence
     Receiving/Granting Unlawful Compensation
     Bigamy
     Eluding a Pursuing Police Vehicle
     Willful Failure to Return from Furlough
     Escape from Community Custody
     Riot (if against property)
     1st Degree Theft of Livestock
     2nd Degree Theft of Livestock

     ALL OTHER UNCLASSIFIED FELONIES
     Selection of Charges/Degree of Charge
     (i) The prosecutor should file charges which adequately describe the nature of defendant's conduct. Other offenses may be charged only if they are necessary to ensure that the charges:
     (A) Will significantly enhance the strength of the state's case at trial; or
     (B) Will result in restitution to all victims.
     (ii) The prosecutor should not overcharge to obtain a guilty plea. Overcharging includes:
     (A) Charging a higher degree;
     (B) Charging additional counts.
     This standard is intended to direct prosecutors to charge those crimes which demonstrate the nature and seriousness of a defendant's criminal conduct, but to decline to charge crimes which are not necessary to such an indication. Crimes which do not merge as a matter of law, but which arise from the same course of conduct, do not all have to be charged.

     (b) GUIDELINES/COMMENTARY:
     (i) Police Investigation
     A prosecuting attorney is dependent upon law enforcement agencies to conduct the necessary factual investigation which must precede the decision to prosecute. The prosecuting attorney shall ensure that a thorough factual investigation has been conducted before a decision to prosecute is made. In ordinary circumstances the investigation should include the following:
     (A) The interviewing of all material witnesses, together with the obtaining of written statements whenever possible;
     (B) The completion of necessary laboratory tests; and
     (C) The obtaining, in accordance with constitutional requirements, of the suspect's version of the events.
     If the initial investigation is incomplete, a prosecuting attorney should insist upon further investigation before a decision to prosecute is made, and specify what the investigation needs to include.
     (ii) Exceptions
     In certain situations, a prosecuting attorney may authorize filing of a criminal complaint before the investigation is complete if:
     (A) Probable cause exists to believe the suspect is guilty; and
     (B) The suspect presents a danger to the community or is likely to flee if not apprehended; or
     (C) The arrest of the suspect is necessary to complete the investigation of the crime.
     In the event that the exception to the standard is applied, the prosecuting attorney shall obtain a commitment from the law enforcement agency involved to complete the investigation in a timely manner. If the subsequent investigation does not produce sufficient evidence to meet the normal charging standard, the complaint should be dismissed.
     (iii) Investigation Techniques
     The prosecutor should be fully advised of the investigatory techniques that were used in the case investigation including:
     (A) Polygraph testing;
     (B) Hypnosis;
     (C) Electronic surveillance;
     (D) Use of informants.
     (iv) Pre-Filing Discussions with Defendant
     Discussions with the defendant or his/her representative regarding the selection or disposition of charges may occur prior to the filing of charges, and potential agreements can be reached.
     (v) Pre-Filing Discussions with Victim(s)
     Discussions with the victim(s) or victims' representatives regarding the selection or disposition of charges may occur before the filing of charges. The discussions may be considered by the prosecutor in charging and disposition decisions, and should be considered before reaching any agreement with the defendant regarding these decisions.

Sec. 3   RCW 9.94A.421 and 1995 c 288 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:
     The prosecutor and the attorney for the defendant, or the defendant when acting pro se, may engage in discussions with a view toward reaching an agreement that, upon the entering of a plea to a charged offense or to a lesser or related offense, the prosecutor will do any of the following:
     (1) Move for dismissal of other charges or counts;
     (2) Recommend a particular sentence within the sentence range applicable to the offense or offenses to which the offender pled guilty;
     (3) Recommend a particular sentence outside of the sentence range;
     (4) Agree to file a particular charge or count;
     (5) Agree not to file other charges or counts; or
     (6) Make any other promise to the defendant, except that in no instance may the prosecutor agree not to allege prior convictions.
     In a case involving a crime ((against)) affecting persons as defined in RCW 9.94A.411, the prosecutor shall make reasonable efforts to inform the victim of the violent offense of the nature of and reasons for the plea agreement, including all offenses the prosecutor has agreed not to file, and ascertain any objections or comments the victim has to the plea agreement.
     The court shall not participate in any discussions under this section.

Sec. 4   RCW 9.94A.431 and 1995 c 288 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) If a plea agreement has been reached by the prosecutor and the defendant pursuant to RCW 9.94A.421, they shall at the time of the defendant's plea state to the court, on the record, the nature of the agreement and the reasons for the agreement. The prosecutor shall inform the court on the record whether the victim or victims of all crimes ((against)) affecting persons, as defined in RCW 9.94A.411, covered by the plea agreement have expressed any objections to or comments on the nature of and reasons for the plea agreement. The court, at the time of the plea, shall determine if the agreement is consistent with the interests of justice and with the prosecuting standards. If the court determines it is not consistent with the interests of justice and with the prosecuting standards, the court shall, on the record, inform the defendant and the prosecutor that they are not bound by the agreement and that the defendant may withdraw the defendant's plea of guilty, if one has been made, and enter a plea of not guilty.
     (2) The sentencing judge is not bound by any recommendations contained in an allowed plea agreement and the defendant shall be so informed at the time of plea.

Sec. 5   RCW 9.94A.470 and 2002 c 290 s 14 are each amended to read as follows:
     Notwithstanding the current placement or listing of crimes in categories or classifications of prosecuting standards for deciding to prosecute under RCW 9.94A.411(2), any and all felony crimes involving any deadly weapon special verdict under RCW 9.94A.602, any deadly weapon enhancements under RCW 9.94A.533 (3) or (4), or both, and any and all felony crimes as defined in RCW 9.94A.533 (3)(f) or (4)(f), or both, which are excluded from the deadly weapon enhancements shall all be treated as crimes against a person and subject to the prosecuting standards for deciding to prosecute under RCW 9.94A.411(2) as crimes ((against)) affecting persons.

Sec. 6   RCW 9.94A.501 and 2005 c 362 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) When the department performs a risk assessment pursuant to RCW 9.94A.500, or to determine a person's conditions of supervision, the risk assessment shall classify the offender or a probationer sentenced in superior court into one of at least four risk categories.
     (2) The department shall supervise every offender sentenced to a term of community custody, community placement, or community supervision and every misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor probationer ordered by a superior court to probation under the supervision of the department pursuant to RCW 9.92.060, 9.95.204, or 9.95.210:
     (a) Whose risk assessment places that offender or probationer in one of the two highest risk categories; or
     (b) Regardless of the offender's or probationer's risk category if:
     (i) The offender's or probationer's current conviction is for:
     (A) A sex offense;
     (B) A violent offense;
     (C) A crime against persons as defined in RCW ((9.94A.411)) 9.94A.030;
     (D) A felony that is domestic violence as defined in RCW 10.99.020;
     (E) A violation of RCW 9A.52.025 (residential burglary);
     (F) A violation of, or an attempt, solicitation, or conspiracy to violate, RCW 69.50.401 by manufacture or delivery or possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine; or
     (G) A violation of, or an attempt, solicitation, or conspiracy to violate, RCW 69.50.406 (delivery of a controlled substance to a minor);
     (ii) The offender or probationer has a prior conviction for:
     (A) A sex offense;
     (B) A violent offense;
     (C) A crime against persons as defined in RCW ((9.94A.411)) 9.94A.030;
     (D) A felony that is domestic violence as defined in RCW 10.99.020;
     (E) A violation of RCW 9A.52.025 (residential burglary);
     (F) A violation of, or an attempt, solicitation, or conspiracy to violate, RCW 69.50.401 by manufacture or delivery or possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine; or
     (G) A violation of, or an attempt, solicitation, or conspiracy to violate, RCW 69.50.406 (delivery of a controlled substance to a minor);
     (iii) The conditions of the offender's community custody, community placement, or community supervision or the probationer's supervision include chemical dependency treatment;
     (iv) The offender was sentenced under RCW 9.94A.650 or 9.94A.670; or
     (v) The offender is subject to supervision pursuant to RCW 9.94A.745.
     (3) The department is not authorized to, and may not, supervise any offender sentenced to a term of community custody, community placement, or community supervision or any probationer unless the offender or probationer is one for whom supervision is required under subsection (2) of this section.
     (4) This section expires July 1, 2010.

Sec. 7   RCW 9.94A.545 and 2006 c 128 s 4 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) Except as provided in RCW 9.94A.650 and in subsection (2) of this section, on all sentences of confinement for one year or less, in which the offender is convicted of a sex offense, a violent offense, a crime against ((a person under RCW 9.94A.411)) persons as defined in RCW 9.94A.030, or felony violation of chapter 69.50 or 69.52 RCW or an attempt, conspiracy, or solicitation to commit such a crime, the court may impose up to one year of community custody, subject to conditions and sanctions as authorized in RCW 9.94A.715 and 9.94A.720. An offender shall be on community custody as of the date of sentencing. However, during the time for which the offender is in total or partial confinement pursuant to the sentence or a violation of the sentence, the period of community custody shall toll.
     (2) If the offender is guilty of failure to register under RCW 9A.44.130(((10))) (11)(a), the court shall impose a term of community custody under RCW 9.94A.715.

Sec. 8   RCW 9.94A.640 and 2006 c 73 s 8 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) Every offender who has been discharged under RCW 9.94A.637 may apply to the sentencing court for a vacation of the offender's record of conviction. If the court finds the offender meets the tests prescribed in subsection (2) of this section, the court may clear the record of conviction by: (a) Permitting the offender to withdraw the offender's plea of guilty and to enter a plea of not guilty; or (b) if the offender has been convicted after a plea of not guilty, by the court setting aside the verdict of guilty; and (c) by the court dismissing the information or indictment against the offender.
     (2) An offender may not have the record of conviction cleared if: (a) There are any criminal charges against the offender pending in any court of this state or another state, or in any federal court; (b) the offense was a violent offense as defined in RCW 9.94A.030; (c) the offense was a crime against children or other persons as defined in RCW 43.43.830; (d) the offender has been convicted of a new crime in this state, another state, or federal court since the date of the offender's discharge under RCW 9.94A.637; (e) the offense is a class B felony and less than ten years have passed since the date the applicant was discharged under RCW 9.94A.637; (f) the offense was a class C felony, other than a class C felony described in RCW 46.61.502(6) or 46.61.504(6), and less than five years have passed since the date the applicant was discharged under RCW 9.94A.637; or (g) the offense was a class C felony described in RCW 46.61.502(6) or 46.61.504(6) and less than ten years have passed since the applicant was discharged under RCW 9.94A.637.
     (3) Once the court vacates a record of conviction under subsection (1) of this section, the fact that the offender has been convicted of the offense shall not be included in the offender's criminal history for purposes of determining a sentence in any subsequent conviction, and the offender shall be released from all penalties and disabilities resulting from the offense. For all purposes, including responding to questions on employment applications, an offender whose conviction has been vacated may state that the offender has never been convicted of that crime. Nothing in this section affects or prevents the use of an offender's prior conviction in a later criminal prosecution.

Sec. 9   RCW 9.94A.715 and 2006 c 130 s 2 and 2006 c 128 s 5 are each reenacted and amended to read as follows:
     (1) When a court sentences a person to the custody of the department for a sex offense not sentenced under RCW 9.94A.712, a violent offense, any crime against persons ((under RCW 9.94A.411(2))) as defined in RCW 9.94A.030, or a felony offense under chapter 69.50 or 69.52 RCW, committed on or after July 1, 2000, or when a court sentences a person to a term of confinement of one year or less for a violation of RCW 9A.44.130(((10))) (11)(a) committed on or after June 7, 2006, the court shall in addition to the other terms of the sentence, sentence the offender to community custody for the community custody range established under RCW 9.94A.850 or up to the period of earned release awarded pursuant to RCW 9.94A.728 (1) and (2), whichever is longer. The community custody shall begin: (a) Upon completion of the term of confinement; (b) at such time as the offender is transferred to community custody in lieu of earned release in accordance with RCW 9.94A.728 (1) and (2); or (c) with regard to offenders sentenced under RCW 9.94A.660, upon failure to complete or administrative termination from the special drug offender sentencing alternative program. Except as provided in RCW 9.94A.501, the department shall supervise any sentence of community custody imposed under this section.
     (2)(a) Unless a condition is waived by the court, the conditions of community custody shall include those provided for in RCW 9.94A.700(4). The conditions may also include those provided for in RCW 9.94A.700(5). The court may also order the offender to participate in rehabilitative programs or otherwise perform affirmative conduct reasonably related to the circumstances of the offense, the offender's risk of reoffending, or the safety of the community, and the department shall enforce such conditions pursuant to subsection (6) of this section.
     (b) As part of any sentence that includes a term of community custody imposed under this subsection, the court shall also require the offender to comply with any conditions imposed by the department under RCW 9.94A.720. The department shall assess the offender's risk of reoffense and may establish and modify additional conditions of the offender's community custody based upon the risk to community safety. In addition, the department may require the offender to participate in rehabilitative programs, or otherwise perform affirmative conduct, and to obey all laws. The department may impose electronic monitoring as a condition of community custody for an offender sentenced to a term of community custody under this section pursuant to a conviction for a sex offense. Within the resources made available by the department for this purpose, the department shall carry out any electronic monitoring imposed under this section using the most appropriate technology given the individual circumstances of the offender. As used in this section, "electronic monitoring" means the monitoring of an offender using an electronic offender tracking system including, but not limited to, a system using radio frequency or active or passive global positioning system technology.
     (c) The department may not impose conditions that are contrary to those ordered by the court and may not contravene or decrease court imposed conditions. The department shall notify the offender in writing of any such conditions or modifications. In setting, modifying, and enforcing conditions of community custody, the department shall be deemed to be performing a quasi-judicial function.
     (3) If an offender violates conditions imposed by the court or the department pursuant to this section during community custody, the department may transfer the offender to a more restrictive confinement status and impose other available sanctions as provided in RCW 9.94A.737 and 9.94A.740.
     (4) Except for terms of community custody under RCW 9.94A.670, the department shall discharge the offender from community custody on a date determined by the department, which the department may modify, based on risk and performance of the offender, within the range or at the end of the period of earned release, whichever is later.
     (5) At any time prior to the completion or termination of a sex offender's term of community custody, if the court finds that public safety would be enhanced, the court may impose and enforce an order extending any or all of the conditions imposed pursuant to this section for a period up to the maximum allowable sentence for the crime as it is classified in chapter 9A.20 RCW, regardless of the expiration of the offender's term of community custody. If a violation of a condition extended under this subsection occurs after the expiration of the offender's term of community custody, it shall be deemed a violation of the sentence for the purposes of RCW 9.94A.631 and may be punishable as contempt of court as provided for in RCW 7.21.040. If the court extends a condition beyond the expiration of the term of community custody, the department is not responsible for supervision of the offender's compliance with the condition.
     (6) Within the funds available for community custody, the department shall determine conditions and duration of community custody on the basis of risk to community safety, and shall supervise offenders during community custody on the basis of risk to community safety and conditions imposed by the court. The secretary shall adopt rules to implement the provisions of this subsection.
     (7) By the close of the next business day after receiving notice of a condition imposed or modified by the department, an offender may request an administrative review under rules adopted by the department. The condition shall remain in effect unless the reviewing officer finds that it is not reasonably related to any of the following: (a) The crime of conviction; (b) the offender's risk of reoffending; or (c) the safety of the community.

Sec. 10   RCW 9.94A.728 and 2007 c 483 s 304 are each amended to read as follows:
     No person serving a sentence imposed pursuant to this chapter and committed to the custody of the department shall leave the confines of the correctional facility or be released prior to the expiration of the sentence except as follows:
     (1) Except as otherwise provided for in subsection (2) of this section, the term of the sentence of an offender committed to a correctional facility operated by the department may be reduced by earned release time in accordance with procedures that shall be developed and promulgated by the correctional agency having jurisdiction in which the offender is confined. The earned release time shall be for good behavior and good performance, as determined by the correctional agency having jurisdiction. The correctional agency shall not credit the offender with earned release credits in advance of the offender actually earning the credits. Any program established pursuant to this section shall allow an offender to earn early release credits for presentence incarceration. If an offender is transferred from a county jail to the department, the administrator of a county jail facility shall certify to the department the amount of time spent in custody at the facility and the amount of earned release time. An offender who has been convicted of a felony committed after July 23, 1995, that involves any applicable deadly weapon enhancements under RCW 9.94A.533 (3) or (4), or both, shall not receive any good time credits or earned release time for that portion of his or her sentence that results from any deadly weapon enhancements.
     (a) In the case of an offender convicted of a serious violent offense, or a sex offense that is a class A felony, committed on or after July 1, 1990, and before July 1, 2003, the aggregate earned release time may not exceed fifteen percent of the sentence. In the case of an offender convicted of a serious violent offense, or a sex offense that is a class A felony, committed on or after July 1, 2003, the aggregate earned release time may not exceed ten percent of the sentence.
     (b)(i) In the case of an offender who qualifies under (b)(ii) of this subsection, the aggregate earned release time may not exceed fifty percent of the sentence.
     (ii) An offender is qualified to earn up to fifty percent of aggregate earned release time under this subsection (1)(b) if he or she:
     (A) Is classified in one of the two lowest risk categories under (b)(iii) of this subsection;
     (B) Is not confined pursuant to a sentence for:
     (I) A sex offense;
     (II) A violent offense;
     (III) A crime against persons as defined in RCW ((9.94A.411)) 9.94A.030;
     (IV) A felony that is domestic violence as defined in RCW 10.99.020;
     (V) A violation of RCW 9A.52.025 (residential burglary);
     (VI) A violation of, or an attempt, solicitation, or conspiracy to violate, RCW 69.50.401 by manufacture or delivery or possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine; or
     (VII) A violation of, or an attempt, solicitation, or conspiracy to violate, RCW 69.50.406 (delivery of a controlled substance to a minor);
     (C) Has no prior conviction for:
     (I) A sex offense;
     (II) A violent offense;
     (III) A crime against persons as defined in RCW ((9.94A.411)) 9.94A.030;
     (IV) A felony that is domestic violence as defined in RCW 10.99.020;
     (V) A violation of RCW 9A.52.025 (residential burglary);
     (VI) A violation of, or an attempt, solicitation, or conspiracy to violate, RCW 69.50.401 by manufacture or delivery or possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine; or
     (VII) A violation of, or an attempt, solicitation, or conspiracy to violate, RCW 69.50.406 (delivery of a controlled substance to a minor);
     (D) Participates in programming or activities as directed by the offender's individual reentry plan as provided under RCW 72.09.270 to the extent that such programming or activities are made available by the department; and
     (E) Has not committed a new felony after July 22, 2007, while under community supervision, community placement, or community custody.
     (iii) For purposes of determining an offender's eligibility under this subsection (1)(b), the department shall perform a risk assessment of every offender committed to a correctional facility operated by the department who has no current or prior conviction for a sex offense, a violent offense, a crime against persons as defined in RCW ((9.94A.411)) 9.94A.030, a felony that is domestic violence as defined in RCW 10.99.020, a violation of RCW 9A.52.025 (residential burglary), a violation of, or an attempt, solicitation, or conspiracy to violate, RCW 69.50.401 by manufacture or delivery or possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine, or a violation of, or an attempt, solicitation, or conspiracy to violate, RCW 69.50.406 (delivery of a controlled substance to a minor). The department must classify each assessed offender in one of four risk categories between highest and lowest risk.
     (iv) The department shall recalculate the earned release time and reschedule the expected release dates for each qualified offender under this subsection (1)(b).
     (v) This subsection (1)(b) applies retroactively to eligible offenders serving terms of total confinement in a state correctional facility as of July 1, 2003.
     (vi) This subsection (1)(b) does not apply to offenders convicted after July 1, 2010.
     (c) In no other case shall the aggregate earned release time exceed one-third of the total sentence;
     (2)(a) A person convicted of a sex offense or an offense categorized as a serious violent offense, assault in the second degree, vehicular homicide, vehicular assault, assault of a child in the second degree, any crime against persons where it is determined in accordance with RCW 9.94A.602 that the offender or an accomplice was armed with a deadly weapon at the time of commission, or any felony offense under chapter 69.50 or 69.52 RCW, committed before July 1, 2000, may become eligible, in accordance with a program developed by the department, for transfer to community custody status in lieu of earned release time pursuant to subsection (1) of this section;
     (b) A person convicted of a sex offense, a violent offense, any crime against persons ((under RCW 9.94A.411(2))) as defined in RCW 9.94A.030, or a felony offense under chapter 69.50 or 69.52 RCW, committed on or after July 1, 2000, may become eligible, in accordance with a program developed by the department, for transfer to community custody status in lieu of earned release time pursuant to subsection (1) of this section;
     (c) The department shall, as a part of its program for release to the community in lieu of earned release, require the offender to propose a release plan that includes an approved residence and living arrangement. All offenders with community placement or community custody terms eligible for release to community custody status in lieu of earned release shall provide an approved residence and living arrangement prior to release to the community;
     (d) The department may deny transfer to community custody status in lieu of earned release time pursuant to subsection (1) of this section if the department determines an offender's release plan, including proposed residence location and living arrangements, may violate the conditions of the sentence or conditions of supervision, place the offender at risk to violate the conditions of the sentence, place the offender at risk to reoffend, or present a risk to victim safety or community safety. The department's authority under this section is independent of any court-ordered condition of sentence or statutory provision regarding conditions for community custody or community placement;
     (e) If the department denies transfer to community custody status in lieu of earned early release pursuant to (d) of this subsection, the department may transfer an offender to partial confinement in lieu of earned early release up to three months. The three months in partial confinement is in addition to that portion of the offender's term of confinement that may be served in partial confinement as provided in this section;
     (f) An offender serving a term of confinement imposed under RCW 9.94A.670(4)(a) is not eligible for earned release credits under this section;
     (3) An offender may leave a correctional facility pursuant to an authorized furlough or leave of absence. In addition, offenders may leave a correctional facility when in the custody of a corrections officer or officers;
     (4)(a) The secretary may authorize an extraordinary medical placement for an offender when all of the following conditions exist:
     (i) The offender has a medical condition that is serious enough to require costly care or treatment;
     (ii) The offender poses a low risk to the community because he or she is physically incapacitated due to age or the medical condition; and
     (iii) Granting the extraordinary medical placement will result in a cost savings to the state.
     (b) An offender sentenced to death or to life imprisonment without the possibility of release or parole is not eligible for an extraordinary medical placement.
     (c) The secretary shall require electronic monitoring for all offenders in extraordinary medical placement unless the electronic monitoring equipment interferes with the function of the offender's medical equipment or results in the loss of funding for the offender's medical care. The secretary shall specify who shall provide the monitoring services and the terms under which the monitoring shall be performed.
     (d) The secretary may revoke an extraordinary medical placement under this subsection at any time;
     (5) The governor, upon recommendation from the clemency and pardons board, may grant an extraordinary release for reasons of serious health problems, senility, advanced age, extraordinary meritorious acts, or other extraordinary circumstances;
     (6) No more than the final six months of the offender's term of confinement may be served in partial confinement designed to aid the offender in finding work and reestablishing himself or herself in the community. This is in addition to that period of earned early release time that may be exchanged for partial confinement pursuant to subsection (2)(e) of this section;
     (7) The governor may pardon any offender;
     (8) The department may release an offender from confinement any time within ten days before a release date calculated under this section; and
     (9) An offender may leave a correctional facility prior to completion of his or her sentence if the sentence has been reduced as provided in RCW 9.94A.870.
     Notwithstanding any other provisions of this section, an offender sentenced for a felony crime listed in RCW 9.94A.540 as subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of total confinement shall not be released from total confinement before the completion of the listed mandatory minimum sentence for that felony crime of conviction unless allowed under RCW 9.94A.540, however persistent offenders are not eligible for extraordinary medical placement.

Sec. 11   RCW 10.77.092 and 2004 c 157 s 3 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) For purposes of determining whether a court may authorize involuntary medication for the purpose of competency restoration pursuant to RCW 10.77.090, a pending charge involving any one or more of the following crimes is a serious offense per se in the context of competency restoration:
     (a) Any violent offense, sex offense, serious traffic offense, crimes against persons, and most serious offense, as those terms are defined in RCW 9.94A.030;
     (b) ((Any offense, except nonfelony counterfeiting offenses, included in crimes against persons in RCW 9.94A.411;
     (c)
)) Any offense contained in chapter 9.41 RCW (firearms and dangerous weapons);
     (((d))) (c) Any offense listed as domestic violence in RCW 10.99.020;
     (((e))) (d) Any offense listed as a harassment offense in chapter 9A.46 RCW;
     (((f))) (e) Any violation of chapter 69.50 RCW that is a class B felony; or
     (((g))) (f) Any city or county ordinance or statute that is equivalent to an offense referenced in this subsection.
     (2)(a) In a particular case, a court may determine that a pending charge not otherwise defined as serious by state or federal law or by a city or county ordinance is, nevertheless, a serious offense within the context of competency restoration treatment when the conduct in the charged offense falls within the standards established in (b) of this subsection.
     (b) To determine that the particular case is a serious offense within the context of competency restoration, the court must consider the following factors and determine that one or more of the following factors creates a situation in which the offense is serious:
     (i) The charge includes an allegation that the defendant actually inflicted bodily or emotional harm on another person or that the defendant created a reasonable apprehension of bodily or emotional harm to another;
     (ii) The extent of the impact of the alleged offense on the basic human need for security of the citizens within the jurisdiction;
     (iii) The number and nature of related charges pending against the defendant;
     (iv) The length of potential confinement if the defendant is convicted; and
     (v) The number of potential and actual victims or persons impacted by the defendant's alleged acts.

Sec. 12   RCW 10.97.050 and 2005 c 421 s 9 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) Conviction records may be disseminated without restriction.
     (2) Any criminal history record information which pertains to an incident that occurred within the last twelve months for which a person is currently being processed by the criminal justice system, including the entire period of correctional supervision extending through final discharge from parole, when applicable, may be disseminated without restriction with the exception of a record being disseminated in response to a request for a conviction record under RCW 43.43.832. A request for a conviction record under RCW 43.43.832 shall not contain information for a person who, within the last twelve months, is currently being processed by the criminal justice system unless it pertains to information relating to a crime against a person as defined in RCW ((9.94A.411)) 9.94A.030.
     (3) Criminal history record information which includes nonconviction data may be disseminated by a criminal justice agency to another criminal justice agency for any purpose associated with the administration of criminal justice, or in connection with the employment of the subject of the record by a criminal justice or juvenile justice agency. A criminal justice agency may respond to any inquiry from another criminal justice agency without any obligation to ascertain the purpose for which the information is to be used by the agency making the inquiry.
     (4) Criminal history record information which includes nonconviction data may be disseminated by a criminal justice agency to implement a statute, ordinance, executive order, or a court rule, decision, or order which expressly refers to records of arrest, charges, or allegations of criminal conduct or other nonconviction data and authorizes or directs that it be available or accessible for a specific purpose.
     (5) Criminal history record information which includes nonconviction data may be disseminated to individuals and agencies pursuant to a contract with a criminal justice agency to provide services related to the administration of criminal justice. Such contract must specifically authorize access to criminal history record information, but need not specifically state that access to nonconviction data is included. The agreement must limit the use of the criminal history record information to stated purposes and insure the confidentiality and security of the information consistent with state law and any applicable federal statutes and regulations.
     (6) Criminal history record information which includes nonconviction data may be disseminated to individuals and agencies for the express purpose of research, evaluative, or statistical activities pursuant to an agreement with a criminal justice agency. Such agreement must authorize the access to nonconviction data, limit the use of that information which identifies specific individuals to research, evaluative, or statistical purposes, and contain provisions giving notice to the person or organization to which the records are disseminated that the use of information obtained therefrom and further dissemination of such information are subject to the provisions of this chapter and applicable federal statutes and regulations, which shall be cited with express reference to the penalties provided for a violation thereof.
     (7) Every criminal justice agency that maintains and disseminates criminal history record information must maintain information pertaining to every dissemination of criminal history record information except a dissemination to the effect that the agency has no record concerning an individual. Information pertaining to disseminations shall include:
     (a) An indication of to whom (agency or person) criminal history record information was disseminated;
     (b) The date on which the information was disseminated;
     (c) The individual to whom the information relates; and
     (d) A brief description of the information disseminated.
     The information pertaining to dissemination required to be maintained shall be retained for a period of not less than one year.
     (8) In addition to the other provisions in this section allowing dissemination of criminal history record information, RCW 4.24.550 governs dissemination of information concerning offenders who commit sex offenses as defined by RCW 9.94A.030. Criminal justice agencies, their employees, and officials shall be immune from civil liability for dissemination on criminal history record information concerning sex offenders as provided in RCW 4.24.550.

Sec. 13   RCW 13.40.070 and 2003 c 53 s 98 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) Complaints referred to the juvenile court alleging the commission of an offense shall be referred directly to the prosecutor. The prosecutor, upon receipt of a complaint, shall screen the complaint to determine whether:
     (a) The alleged facts bring the case within the jurisdiction of the court; and
     (b) On a basis of available evidence there is probable cause to believe that the juvenile did commit the offense.
     (2) If the identical alleged acts constitute an offense under both the law of this state and an ordinance of any city or county of this state, state law shall govern the prosecutor's screening and charging decision for both filed and diverted cases.
     (3) If the requirements of subsections (1)(a) and (b) of this section are met, the prosecutor shall either file an information in juvenile court or divert the case, as set forth in subsections (5), (6), and (7) of this section. If the prosecutor finds that the requirements of subsection (1)(a) and (b) of this section are not met, the prosecutor shall maintain a record, for one year, of such decision and the reasons therefor. In lieu of filing an information or diverting an offense a prosecutor may file a motion to modify community supervision where such offense constitutes a violation of community supervision.
     (4) An information shall be a plain, concise, and definite written statement of the essential facts constituting the offense charged. It shall be signed by the prosecuting attorney and conform to chapter 10.37 RCW.
     (5) Where a case is legally sufficient, the prosecutor shall file an information with the juvenile court if:
     (a) An alleged offender is accused of a class A felony, a class B felony, an attempt to commit a class B felony, a class C felony listed in RCW ((9.94A.411(2))) 9.94A.030 as a crime against persons or listed in RCW 9A.46.060 as a crime of harassment, or a class C felony that is a violation of RCW 9.41.080 or 9.41.040(2)(a)(iii); or
     (b) An alleged offender is accused of a felony and has a criminal history of any felony, or at least two gross misdemeanors, or at least two misdemeanors; or
     (c) An alleged offender has previously been committed to the department; or
     (d) An alleged offender has been referred by a diversion unit for prosecution or desires prosecution instead of diversion; or
     (e) An alleged offender has two or more diversion agreements on the alleged offender's criminal history; or
     (f) A special allegation has been filed that the offender or an accomplice was armed with a firearm when the offense was committed.
     (6) Where a case is legally sufficient the prosecutor shall divert the case if the alleged offense is a misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor or violation and the alleged offense is the offender's first offense or violation. If the alleged offender is charged with a related offense that must or may be filed under subsections (5) and (7) of this section, a case under this subsection may also be filed.
     (7) Where a case is legally sufficient and falls into neither subsection (5) nor (6) of this section, it may be filed or diverted. In deciding whether to file or divert an offense under this section the prosecutor shall be guided only by the length, seriousness, and recency of the alleged offender's criminal history and the circumstances surrounding the commission of the alleged offense.
     (8) Whenever a juvenile is placed in custody or, where not placed in custody, referred to a diversion interview, the parent or legal guardian of the juvenile shall be notified as soon as possible concerning the allegation made against the juvenile and the current status of the juvenile. Where a case involves victims of crimes against persons or victims whose property has not been recovered at the time a juvenile is referred to a diversion unit, the victim shall be notified of the referral and informed how to contact the unit.
     (9) The responsibilities of the prosecutor under subsections (1) through (8) of this section may be performed by a juvenile court probation counselor for any complaint referred to the court alleging the commission of an offense which would not be a felony if committed by an adult, if the prosecutor has given sufficient written notice to the juvenile court that the prosecutor will not review such complaints.
     (10) The prosecutor, juvenile court probation counselor, or diversion unit may, in exercising their authority under this section or RCW 13.40.080, refer juveniles to mediation or victim offender reconciliation programs. Such mediation or victim offender reconciliation programs shall be voluntary for victims.

Sec. 14   RCW 13.40.077 and 1997 c 338 s 18 are each amended to read as follows:
     


     RECOMMENDED PROSECUTING STANDARDS          FOR CHARGING AND PLEA DISPOSITIONS


     INTRODUCTION: These standards are intended solely for the guidance of prosecutors in the state of Washington. They are not intended to, do not, and may not be relied upon to create a right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law by a party in litigation with the state.
     Evidentiary sufficiency.
     (1) Decision not to prosecute.
     STANDARD: A prosecuting attorney may decline to prosecute, even though technically sufficient evidence to prosecute exists, in situations where prosecution would serve no public purpose, would defeat the underlying purpose of the law in question, or would result in decreased respect for the law. The decision not to prosecute or divert shall not be influenced by the race, gender, religion, or creed of the suspect.
     GUIDELINES/COMMENTARY:
     Examples
     The following are examples of reasons not to prosecute which could satisfy the standard.
     (a) Contrary to Legislative Intent - It may be proper to decline to charge where the application of criminal sanctions would be clearly contrary to the intent of the legislature in enacting the particular statute.
     (b) Antiquated Statute - It may be proper to decline to charge where the statute in question is antiquated in that:
     (i) It has not been enforced for many years;
     (ii) Most members of society act as if it were no longer in existence;
     (iii) It serves no deterrent or protective purpose in today's society; and
     (iv) The statute has not been recently reconsidered by the legislature.
     This reason is not to be construed as the basis for declining cases because the law in question is unpopular or because it is difficult to enforce.
     (c) De Minimis Violation - It may be proper to decline to charge where the violation of law is only technical or insubstantial and where no public interest or deterrent purpose would be served by prosecution.
     (d) Confinement on Other Charges - It may be proper to decline to charge because the accused has been sentenced on another charge to a lengthy period of confinement; and
     (i) Conviction of the new offense would not merit any additional direct or collateral punishment;
     (ii) The new offense is either a misdemeanor or a felony which is not particularly aggravated; and
     (iii) Conviction of the new offense would not serve any significant deterrent purpose.
     (e) Pending Conviction on Another Charge - It may be proper to decline to charge because the accused is facing a pending prosecution in the same or another county; and
     (i) Conviction of the new offense would not merit any additional direct or collateral punishment;
     (ii) Conviction in the pending prosecution is imminent;
     (iii) The new offense is either a misdemeanor or a felony which is not particularly aggravated; and
     (iv) Conviction of the new offense would not serve any significant deterrent purpose.
     (f) High Disproportionate Cost of Prosecution - It may be proper to decline to charge where the cost of locating or transporting, or the burden on, prosecution witnesses is highly disproportionate to the importance of prosecuting the offense in question. The reason should be limited to minor cases and should not be relied upon in serious cases.
     (g) Improper Motives of Complainant - It may be proper to decline charges because the motives of the complainant are improper and prosecution would serve no public purpose, would defeat the underlying purpose of the law in question, or would result in decreased respect for the law.
     (h) Immunity - It may be proper to decline to charge where immunity is to be given to an accused in order to prosecute another where the accused information or testimony will reasonably lead to the conviction of others who are responsible for more serious criminal conduct or who represent a greater danger to the public interest.
     (i) Victim Request - It may be proper to decline to charge because the victim requests that no criminal charges be filed and the case involves the following crimes or situations:
     (i) Assault cases where the victim has suffered little or no injury;
     (ii) Crimes against property, not involving violence, where no major loss was suffered;
     (iii) Where doing so would not jeopardize the safety of society.
     Care should be taken to insure that the victim's request is freely made and is not the product of threats or pressure by the accused.
     The presence of these factors may also justify the decision to dismiss a prosecution which has been commenced.
     Notification
     The prosecutor is encouraged to notify the victim, when practical, and the law enforcement personnel, of the decision not to prosecute.
     (2) Decision to prosecute.
     STANDARD:
     Crimes ((against)) affecting persons will be filed if sufficient admissible evidence exists, which, when considered with the most plausible, reasonably foreseeable defense that could be raised under the evidence, would justify conviction by a reasonable and objective fact-finder. With regard to offenses prohibited by RCW 9A.44.040, 9A.44.050, 9A.44.073, 9A.44.076, 9A.44.079, 9A.44.083, 9A.44.086, 9A.44.089, and 9A.64.020 the prosecutor should avoid prefiling agreements or diversions intended to place the accused in a program of treatment or counseling, so that treatment, if determined to be beneficial, can be proved under RCW 13.40.160(((4))) (3).
     Crimes against property/other crimes will be filed if the admissible evidence is of such convincing force as to make it probable that a reasonable and objective fact-finder would convict after hearing all the admissible evidence and the most plausible defense that could be raised.
     The categorization of crimes for these charging standards shall be the same as found in RCW 9.94A.411(2).
     The decision to prosecute or use diversion shall not be influenced by the race, gender, religion, or creed of the respondent.
     (3) Selection of Charges/Degree of Charge
     (a) The prosecutor should file charges which adequately describe the nature of the respondent's conduct. Other offenses may be charged only if they are necessary to ensure that the charges:
     (i) Will significantly enhance the strength of the state's case at trial; or
     (ii) Will result in restitution to all victims.
     (b) The prosecutor should not overcharge to obtain a guilty plea. Overcharging includes:
     (i) Charging a higher degree;
     (ii) Charging additional counts.
     This standard is intended to direct prosecutors to charge those crimes which demonstrate the nature and seriousness of a respondent's criminal conduct, but to decline to charge crimes which are not necessary to such an indication. Crimes which do not merge as a matter of law, but which arise from the same course of conduct, do not all have to be charged.
     (4) Police Investigation
     A prosecuting attorney is dependent upon law enforcement agencies to conduct the necessary factual investigation which must precede the decision to prosecute. The prosecuting attorney shall ensure that a thorough factual investigation has been conducted before a decision to prosecute is made. In ordinary circumstances the investigation should include the following:
     (a) The interviewing of all material witnesses, together with the obtaining of written statements whenever possible;
     (b) The completion of necessary laboratory tests; and
     (c) The obtaining, in accordance with constitutional requirements, of the suspect's version of the events.
     If the initial investigation is incomplete, a prosecuting attorney should insist upon further investigation before a decision to prosecute is made, and specify what the investigation needs to include.
     (5) Exceptions
     In certain situations, a prosecuting attorney may authorize filing of a criminal complaint before the investigation is complete if:
     (a) Probable cause exists to believe the suspect is guilty; and
     (b) The suspect presents a danger to the community or is likely to flee if not apprehended; or
     (c) The arrest of the suspect is necessary to complete the investigation of the crime.
     In the event that the exception to the standard is applied, the prosecuting attorney shall obtain a commitment from the law enforcement agency involved to complete the investigation in a timely manner. If the subsequent investigation does not produce sufficient evidence to meet the normal charging standard, the complaint should be dismissed.
     (6) Investigation Techniques
     The prosecutor should be fully advised of the investigatory techniques that were used in the case investigation including:
     (a) Polygraph testing;
     (b) Hypnosis;
     (c) Electronic surveillance;
     (d) Use of informants.
     (7) Prefiling Discussions with Defendant
     Discussions with the defendant or his or her representative regarding the selection or disposition of charges may occur prior to the filing of charges, and potential agreements can be reached.
     (8) Plea dispositions:
     STANDARD
     (a) Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, a respondent will normally be expected to plead guilty to the charge or charges which adequately describe the nature of his or her criminal conduct or go to trial.
     (b) In certain circumstances, a plea agreement with a respondent in exchange for a plea of guilty to a charge or charges that may not fully describe the nature of his or her criminal conduct may be necessary and in the public interest. Such situations may include the following:
     (i) Evidentiary problems which make conviction of the original charges doubtful;
     (ii) The respondent's willingness to cooperate in the investigation or prosecution of others whose criminal conduct is more serious or represents a greater public threat;
     (iii) A request by the victim when it is not the result of pressure from the respondent;
     (iv) The discovery of facts which mitigate the seriousness of the respondent's conduct;
     (v) The correction of errors in the initial charging decision;
     (vi) The respondent's history with respect to criminal activity;
     (vii) The nature and seriousness of the offense or offenses charged;
     (viii) The probable effect of witnesses.
     (c) No plea agreement shall be influenced by the race, gender, religion, or creed of the respondent. This includes but is not limited to the prosecutor's decision to utilize such disposition alternatives as the Special Sex Offender Disposition Alternative, the Chemical Dependency Disposition Alternative, and manifest injustice.
     (9) Disposition recommendations:
     STANDARD
     The prosecutor may reach an agreement regarding disposition recommendations.
     The prosecutor shall not agree to withhold relevant information from the court concerning the plea agreement.

Sec. 15   RCW 43.43.8321 and 2005 c 421 s 10 are each amended to read as follows:
     When the Washington state patrol disseminates conviction record information in response to a request under RCW 43.43.832, it shall clearly state that: (1) The conviction record data does not include information on civil adjudications, administrative findings, or disciplinary board final decisions and that all such information must be obtained from the courts and licensing agencies; (2) the conviction record that is being disseminated includes information for which a person is currently being processed by the criminal justice system relating to only crimes against a person as defined in RCW ((9.94A.411)) 9.94A.030 and that it does not include any other current or pending charge information for which a person could be in the current process of being processed by the criminal justice system; and (3) an arrest is not a conviction or a finding of guilt.

Sec. 16   RCW 43.43.842 and 2007 c 387 s 4 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1)(a) The secretary of social and health services and the secretary of health shall adopt additional requirements for the licensure or relicensure of agencies, facilities, and licensed individuals who provide care and treatment to vulnerable adults, including nursing pools registered under chapter 18.52C RCW. These additional requirements shall ensure that any person associated with a licensed agency or facility having unsupervised access with a vulnerable adult shall not be the respondent in an active protective order under RCW 74.34.130, nor have been: (i) Convicted of a crime against children or other persons as defined in RCW 43.43.830, except as provided in this section; (ii) convicted of crimes relating to financial exploitation as defined in RCW 43.43.830, except as provided in this section; or (iii) found in any disciplinary board final decision to have abused a vulnerable adult under RCW 43.43.830.
     (b) A person associated with a licensed agency or facility who has unsupervised access with a vulnerable adult shall make the disclosures specified in RCW 43.43.834(2). The person shall make the disclosures in writing, sign, and swear to the contents under penalty of perjury. The person shall, in the disclosures, specify all crimes against children or other persons, all crimes relating to financial exploitation, and all crimes relating to drugs as defined in RCW 43.43.830, committed by the person.
     (2) The rules adopted under this section shall permit the licensee to consider the criminal history of an applicant for employment in a licensed facility when the applicant has one or more convictions for a past offense and:
     (a) The offense was simple assault, assault in the fourth degree, or the same offense as it may be renamed, and three or more years have passed between the most recent conviction and the date of application for employment;
     (b) The offense was prostitution, or the same offense as it may be renamed, and three or more years have passed between the most recent conviction and the date of application for employment;
     (c) The offense was theft in the third degree, or the same offense as it may be renamed, and three or more years have passed between the most recent conviction and the date of application for employment;
     (d) The offense was theft in the second degree, or the same offense as it may be renamed, and five or more years have passed between the most recent conviction and the date of application for employment;
     (e) The offense was forgery, or the same offense as it may be renamed, and five or more years have passed between the most recent conviction and the date of application for employment.
     The offenses set forth in (a) through (e) of this subsection do not automatically disqualify an applicant from employment by a licensee. Nothing in this section may be construed to require the employment of any person against a licensee's judgment.
     (3) In consultation with law enforcement personnel, the secretary of social and health services and the secretary of health shall investigate, or cause to be investigated, the conviction record and the protection proceeding record information under this chapter of the staff of each agency or facility under their respective jurisdictions seeking licensure or relicensure. An individual responding to a criminal background inquiry request from his or her employer or potential employer shall disclose the information about his or her criminal history under penalty of perjury. The secretaries shall use the information solely for the purpose of determining eligibility for licensure or relicensure. Criminal justice agencies shall provide the secretaries such information as they may have and that the secretaries may require for such purpose.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 17   The sentencing guidelines commission shall study the definition of crimes against persons in RCW 9.94A.030. The commission shall determine, in light of the history and purpose of the definition and the purpose of the sentencing reform act as stated in RCW 9.94A.010, whether there are offenses that should be added to the definition and whether there are offenses that should be removed from the definition. The sentencing guidelines commission shall report its findings and any recommendations to the appropriate standing committees of the legislature no later than December 1, 2008.

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