Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Early Learning & Human Services Committee

EHB 1775

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Brief Description: Encouraging juvenile restorative justice programs.

Sponsors: Representatives Goodman and Kagi.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Provides that participation in a restorative justice program is sufficient to satisfy the requirements of a juvenile diversion or a counsel and release.

Hearing Date:

Staff: Linda Merelle (786-7092).

Background:

Diversions.

If a juvenile is alleged to have committed a misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor, and it is his or her first violation, the prosecutor is required to "divert" the case rather than file a complaint. In some circumstances, the prosecutor has discretion whether to allow the juvenile to enter into a diversion or file the case.

A case is diverted when the juvenile enters into an agreement which may include, among other things, a requirement that the juvenile attend counseling or pay restitution. A probation counselor, or any other person, community accountability board, youth court under the supervision of the juvenile court, or other entity except a law enforcement official or entity may enter into a diversion agreement with a juvenile.

When a juvenile enters into a diversion agreement, the only information provided to the juvenile court for dispositional purposes is:

Counsel and Release.

Where a diversion unit determines that there was no victim or that there was no threat of or instance of actual physical harm and that the offense did not involve more than $50 in property loss or damage, and that there is no loss outstanding to the victim, it may counsel and release or release the juvenile without entering into a diversion agreement.

The diversion unit's authority to counsel and release a juvenile includes the authority to refer the juvenile to community-based counseling or treatment programs. A diversion or counsel and release is part of the juvenile's criminal history.

Restorative Justice.

Restorative justice is a set of principles and practices that involve all parties, the offender, victim, and community, to address an offender's actions.

Summary of Bill:

Participation in a restorative justice program is sufficient to satisfy the requirements of a diversion agreement or a "counsel and release."

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available on original bill.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.