WA People
BILL · 2025–26 SESSION · LATEST VERSION SSB 5945

SB 5945: Persistent offenders

Modifying the definition of persistent offender to exclude convictions for offenses committed by someone under the age of 18 and providing for resentencing.

Summary

  • Requires a resentencing hearing for persons sentenced as a persistent offender with an underlying conviction for a most serious offense committed prior to the person turning 18, unless the underlying conviction was for murder in the first degree, murder in the second degree, or any sex offense that is considered a most serious offense.
  • Clarifies that notice to the victim or survivors of the victim currently required under state law is also required at any resentencing hearing ordered under this act.
  • Modifies the definition of persistent offender by excluding convictions for a most serious offense that occurred when the person was under age 18, unless the person was convicted at any age of murder in the first degree, murder in the second degree, or any sex offense.
  • Applies retroactively to all persons incarcerated in total confinement that were sentenced as persistent offenders.

From the Senate Bill Report (SB 5945), written by the Legislature's nonpartisan staff. Read the full report ↗

Did not pass Did not pass · died in committee
  1. IntroducedJan 12, 2026
  2. Out of committeestopped here
  3. Passed Senate
  4. Passed House
  5. Governor
  6. Law
Prime sponsor
Bob Hasegawa (D-11)
Introduced
January 12, 2026 in the Senate
Last action
January 22, 2026
Budget
Has a fiscal note
Versions
SB 5945, SSB 5945

AN ACT Relating to modifying the definition of persistent offender to exclude convictions for offenses committed by someone under the age of 18 and providing for resentencing;

Sponsors

Prime sponsor: Bob Hasegawa (D-11)

2 co-sponsors (2 Democrats, 0 Republicans)

Claire Wilson D-30T'wina Nobles D-28

Votes

No recorded floor votes. This measure never reached a floor vote.

History

  1. Referred to Ways & Means. (SSB 5945)
  2. Referred to Ways & Means.
  3. HS - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. (SSB 5945)
  4. And refer to Ways & Means. (SSB 5945)
  5. Minority; do not pass. (SSB 5945)
  6. Minority; do not pass.
  7. And refer to Ways & Means.
  8. HS - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.
  9. First reading, referred to Human Services.
  10. Prefiled for introduction.

SB 5945 in other sessions

Bill numbers restart every two years, so the same number is a different bill in each session.

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