RCW 9.94A.565
Governor's powers.
Redline — January 1, 2023 → current.View current text →
Current — January 1, 2026
As of January 1, 2023
(1) Nothing in chapter 1, Laws of 1994 shall ever be interpreted or construed as to reduce or eliminate the power of the governor to grant a pardon or clemency to any offender on an individual case-by-case basis. However, the people recommend that any offender subject to total confinement for life without the possibility of parole not be considered for release until the offender has reached the age of at least sixty years old and has been judged to be no longer a threat to society. The people further recommend that sex offenders be held to the utmost scrutiny under this subsection regardless of age.
(1) Nothing in chapter 1, Laws of 1994 or chapter 10.95 RCW shall ever be interpreted or construed as to reduce or eliminate the power of the governor to grant a pardon or clemency to any individual on an individual case-by-case basis. However, the people recommend that: (a) Any incarcerated individual subject to total confinement for life without the possibility of parole not be considered for release until the incarcerated individual has been judged to no longer be a threat to society; (b) Incarcerated individuals who have been convicted of a sex offense be held to the utmost scrutiny under this subsection regardless of age; and (c) Release take the form of a commutation that includes a period of law-abiding behavior in the community.
(2) Nothing in this section shall ever be interpreted or construed to grant any release for the purpose of reducing prison overcrowding. Furthermore, the governor shall provide twice yearly reports on the activities and progress of offenders subject to total confinement for life without the possibility of parole who are released through executive action during his or her tenure. These reports shall continue for not less than ten years after the release of the offender or upon the death of the released offender.
(2) Nothing in this section shall ever be interpreted or construed to grant any release for the purpose of reducing prison overcrowding. Furthermore, the governor shall provide twice yearly reports on the activities and progress of individuals subject to total confinement for life without the possibility of parole who are released through executive action during his or her tenure. These reports shall continue for not less than 10 years after the release of the individual or upon the death of the released individual.
Official source: Washington State Legislature. Reproduced from public-domain Washington statutes; confirm against the official source for the current text. Not legal advice.