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. …