Criminal Justice (Firearms)

HB 2036 prohibits individuals convicted of violent offenses involving a firearm from earning early release credits under Washington's sentencing laws. It directly affects people serving sentences for violent crimes where a firearm was used or involved, as defined by existing law. The bill amends RCW 9.94A.729 to explicitly deny all "good time credits or earned release time" for sentences tied to such offenses. This change modifies current early release eligibility rules, ensuring offenders convicted of firearm-related violent crimes cannot reduce their sentences through earned credits. The policy focuses on restricting sentence reductions for specific high-risk offenses, not altering general sentencing guidelines.