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WA HB2457
Bill
Status
Introduced
1/13/2026
Primary Sponsor
Lauren Davis
Click for details
AI Summary
- Increases the crime victim penalty assessment from $500 to $2,000 for felonies and gross misdemeanors, and from $250 to $1,000 for misdemeanors
- Authorizes courts to impose an additional surcharge up to $50,000 on defendants with "substantial financial resources" (household income exceeding 200% of area median income)
- Requires courts to impose the penalty assessment unless the defendant proves indigency at sentencing, shifting from the previous approach that prohibited the assessment for indigent defendants
- Defines "indigent" as receiving public assistance (TANF, Medicaid, SSI, food stamps, etc.), being involuntarily committed to a mental health facility, or having income at or below 125% of federal poverty level
- Prohibits reducing, waiving, or converting the crime victim penalty assessment and surcharge to community restitution hours, except for assessments imposed before July 1, 2023 on juveniles or those who cannot pay
Legislative Description
Ensuring access to victim services through the crime victim penalty assessment.
Last Action
Public hearing in the House Committee on Community Safety at 1:30 PM.
1/26/2026
Committee Referrals
Community Safety1/13/2026
Full Bill Text
No bill text available