OLYMPIA– Today, the House Early Learning & Human Services (ELHS) Committee voted the Youth Equity and Reintegration Act (YEAR)out of committee – a big step forward for disadvantaged youth everywhere.
“Children everywhere make foolish mistakes,” said Rep. Ruth Kagi, D-Seattle. “In 42 other states these children get a second chance. But up until last year, here in Washington, their mistakes followed them forever, preventing them from finding a job, renting an apartment or getting financial aid for college.”
Until last session, Washington was one of just 8 states that did not allow juvenile records to be sealed or made private. But after years of fighting, Rep. Kagi finally passed the Youth Opportunity Act – allowing juveniles who commit non-violent, non-sexual offenses (95% of them) to have their records sealed at age 18.
“Now, after youth go through court and juvenile detention, make amends and pay their debt to society, they are eligible to have their records sealed,” said Rep. Kagi. “Except for one big problem – court fees. Often thousands of dollars. If you can pay, your record is sealed, if you can’t pay, you’re out of luck.”
The YEAR Act will remedy this injustice and give all eligible youth the opportunity to seal their records, not just those from families who can pay. The YEAR Act eliminates most non-restitution Legal Financial Obligations from statute so youths will be charged for only what is necessary to make victims whole.
Judges are allowed to exercise discretion in considering the youth’s ability to pay when ordering the amount of restitution and can order community service instead of monetary payment. Those who still owe money to a victim will be eligible after showing a good faith effort to pay back victims. They are still held responsible for the debt, but the non-violent, non-sexual offense is sealed.
“Our juvenile justice system is founded on the core principle of rehabilitation,” said Rep. Kagi. “It is most successful when all children, rich or poor, reintegrate into society and become active, law-abiding, contributing members of their communities. Right now, this opportunity is only available to youth who can pay. We need to have a juvenile justice system that works for everyone, not just the wealthy few. Passing the YEAR Act will make this possible.”