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Bill

HB 2595

Concerning collateral attacks on judgment and sentence in criminal cases.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Roger Goodman and 2 co-sponsors

HB 2595 expands collateral attack procedures in Washington, broadening incarcerated people's ability to challenge convictions and sentences after direct appeals conclude.

Referred to Appropriations.
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Bill Summary · HB 2595

Legislative bill overview

HB 2595 expands procedures for challenging criminal convictions and sentences through collateral attacks—legal mechanisms allowing defendants to challenge their cases after direct appeals are exhausted. The bill modifies Washington state law governing when and how incarcerated individuals can petition courts to overturn or modify their judgments based on newly discovered evidence, constitutional violations, or other grounds.

Why is this important

Collateral attack procedures directly affect thousands of incarcerated individuals' access to the justice system and opportunity for sentence reconsideration. The bill's scope determines whether people convicted under outdated legal standards or due to newly discovered evidence can obtain relief, with broad implications for criminal justice finality versus individual fairness.

Potential points of contention

  • Standards for new claims: Disagreement over how readily courts should reexamine old convictions versus maintaining finality of judgments and limiting endless litigation
  • Resource allocation: Concerns about fiscal impact on courts and the Department of Corrections if many additional petitions are filed and accepted
  • Retroactivity scope: Debate over whether expanded protections should apply only to future cases or also to people already incarcerated under previous standards
  • Victim concerns: Questions about balancing defendants' rights with victims' interests in case closure and avoiding repeated court proceedings

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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