Washington 2023-2024 Regular Session

Washington Senate Bill SB5075

Introduced
1/9/23  

Caption

Establishing a judicial sentencing database.

Impact

If passed, SB5075 would significantly impact state laws governing sentencing and judicial practices. The establishment of a judicial sentencing database is expected to promote data-driven decision-making in the legal system, facilitating better oversight and potentially leading to informed policy adjustments. It could also aid in empirical research aimed at understanding the effectiveness of current sentencing laws and determining if amendments are necessary to achieve fairer outcomes for defendants.

Summary

SB5075 aims to establish a judicial sentencing database to enhance transparency and accountability in sentencing practices across the state. This bill intends to create a centralized database that would compile sentencing data from various courts, allowing for the collection and analysis of information related to sentencing patterns. The goal is to provide insights that could lead to improvements in the judicial system, particularly concerning equitable sentencing practices and the identification of any disparities in sentencing based on various factors including race, gender, and socioeconomic status.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB5075 appears to be generally positive, particularly among criminal justice reform advocates and organizations focused on equity in sentencing. Supporters view the bill as a key step toward enhancing judicial transparency and promoting systemic reforms that address existing inequities. However, there may also be concerns among some legal practitioners regarding the implications of increased data scrutiny on judicial discretion and privacy.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SB5075 may include discussions about the balance between data collection and confidentiality. Critics could argue that while the intent of the database is to improve justice system fairness, it is essential to consider how such data will be handled and who will have access to it. There may also be debates regarding the cost of implementing the database and maintaining it, as well as potential challenges in ensuring that the data collected is comprehensive and accurate.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

WA HB2206

Establishing secure online access to the voter registration database.

WA HB2504

Concerning sentencing of felony offenses.

WA HB1178

Concerning sentencing enhancements.

WA HB1268

Concerning sentencing enhancements.

WA HB1382

Modernizing the all payers claim database.

WA LB59

Provide for reports to the Judiciary Committee on the use of taxes in the judicial system

WA LB1172

Change provisions relating to access to health data in certain registries and databases for research purposes

WA SB5588

Concerning the mental health sentencing alternative.

WA SB5257

Modifying sentencing standards for juvenile firearm offenses.

WA HB1341

Concerning the medical cannabis authorization database.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.