Washington State To Launch Prison Alternatives For Non-Violent Felony Offenders With Serious Mental Illness

The Washington Department of Corrections is launching alternatives to prison for felony offenders diagnosed with serious mental illness (SMI) under a new law signed on May 10, 2021. Under the legislation, Washington Senate Bill 5293, judges will have the option to sentence non-violent felony offenders with SMI (not convicted of a sexual offense) to community supervision and treatment in lieu of prison. The opinion of the person’s victim would also be considered.

SB 5293 goes into effect on July 25, 2021. It requires the Department of Corrections to conduct a pre-sentence investigation for offenders with SMI who . . .