All former WA prisoners can now vote. So far, few have
Cyril Walrond used his first full day as a free man to vote for the first time ever because of a new law that took effect last year that automatically restores voting rights to those with felony convictions the moment they exit prison – a change that expanded the franchise to more than 12,000 Washingtonians on probation and parole, along with an indeterminate number who owe court fines. But of more than 24,000 state residents with past felony convictions now eligible, just 414 cast ballots in the midterms, according to the Office of the Secretary of State. In new legislation this session, Simmons and others are calling for jails and prisons to offer voter registration drives and provide information on voting to current detainees, an idea that has run up against opposition from some local officials. Without more proactive engagement efforts, advocates warn that the voices of former prisoners could continue to be left out. Continue reading at Crosscut. (Amanda Snyder)

Washington Legislature considers bill to eliminate fines, fees and restitution in juvenile court
At the age of 14, Nuu Leae was charged with a crime and received a one-year sentence and a bill for restitution totaling $12,000. After serving his time, Leae – then 15 – was saddled with debt and felt unprepared to re-enter society. With a criminal record, he struggled to find employment to earn money and pay back his debt. The Legislature is considering a bill seeking to eliminate legal financial obligations in juvenile court, including fines, fees and restitution. In lieu of charging juvenile offenders restitution, the bill would establish a Community Compensation Program to pay victims of crimes committed by juveniles. Bill sponsor Rep. Darya Farivar, D-Seattle, said court fines and fees are “causing great harm in our systems” and holding back youth after they’ve served their time. “At the end of the day, I also want to make sure that those folks who are harmed are also getting the services and support that they need, which is going to be paid for out of this compensation fund, and that’s not happening right now.” Continue reading at Spokesman Review. (Jesse Tinsley)

Washington bill would make it easier, less stressful to score concert tickets
Washington state lawmakers are now responding to the frustration of the Ticketmaster meltdown when the site crashed during the Taylor Swift ticket sale. “Whether you’re going to see a popular artist like Taylor Swift or you’re experiencing a local Seattle artist, folks are feeling the crunch of not being able to get access to their favorite artists through these ticket seller markets,” said House Rep. Kristine Reeves. Reeves is backing the Ticket Sales Warrant Integrity Fairness and Transparency Act, which also happens to stand for TSWIFT. The bill focuses on addressing bots, cracking down on fake sales, hidden fees and requiring sellers to be upfront about ticket prices. Reeves said lawmakers have taken feedback from consumers and experts in the industry to create the best consumer protections possible. House Bill 1648 goes to a vote Wednesday to move out of committee. Continue reading at KING5. (KING)