Criminal Justice (Domestic Violence)

HB 1110 allows individuals convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) or related offenses (RCW 46.61.502/504) to apply to have their conviction records vacated, meaning the conviction is removed from their legal record. To qualify, applicants must have completed all sentence terms (including fines), have no pending charges, and not have recent alcohol/drug violations or domestic violence convictions. The bill specifically restricts vacating records for DUI offenses if the applicant has a subsequent DUI conviction within five years, is on probation for a DUI, or holds a commercial driver's license. It also includes special provisions for victims of trafficking or domestic violence. This process applies only to misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor DUI convictions meeting all specified criteria.

HB 1362 creates a pilot program allowing courts in Washington to divert eligible individuals with gambling addiction from traditional sentencing. It requires courts to hold hearings before sentencing to determine if a crime was committed due to gambling addiction, and if so, to place the person in a treatment program supervised by mental health professionals. The program mandates restitution payments, regular progress reports, and referrals to community resources, with costs covered by the participant or through community service if they cannot pay. It excludes individuals convicted of violent crimes (like assault or domestic violence) or with prior convictions for similar offenses.