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Bill

HB 1274

Concerning retroactively applying the requirement to exclude certain juvenile convictions from an offender score regardless of the date of the offense.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Beth Doglio and 10 co-sponsors

Washington bill retroactively excludes certain juvenile convictions from offender score calculations, potentially reducing sentences for thousands already convicted under prior law.

Referred to Rules 2 Review.
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Bill Summary · HB 1274

Legislative bill overview

HB 1274 retroactively applies Washington state's requirement to exclude certain juvenile convictions from offender scores, regardless of when the offense occurred. This means individuals convicted under prior law may now have eligible juvenile convictions removed from their criminal history calculations that affect sentencing and other legal consequences.

Why is this important

Offender scores directly influence sentencing length, prison placement, and supervision requirements. Retroactive application could reduce sentences for hundreds or thousands of individuals already incarcerated or under supervision, potentially requiring resentencing hearings. This represents a significant shift in how the state treats past juvenile records in the criminal justice system.

Potential points of contention

  • Fiscal impact and resentencing burden: Retroactive application could trigger numerous resentencing petitions, creating substantial workload for courts and potential costs for public defender services and corrections
  • Public safety concerns: Opponents may argue that reducing offender scores for past violent or serious juvenile offenses compromises victim protections and community safety assessments
  • Finality and fairness: Debate over whether reopening already-completed sentences is appropriate versus moving forward with new policies prospectively; questions about fairness to those whose sentences cannot be modified

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

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