Washington House passes divisive bill to ease misdemeanor dismissals
Mar 10, 2025, 12:11 PM
King County Courthouse (Image: Joe Mabel)
(Image: Joe Mabel)
A sharply divided Washington House of Representatives narrowly approved a bill that would allow courts to dismiss certain misdemeanor charges if defendants substantially comply with court-ordered conditions.
The 50-46 vote on House Bill 1113 (HB 1113) on Saturday saw six Democrats break ranks to join all Republicans in opposition, with two lawmakers excused from voting. It marks the closest floor vote of the legislative session so far.
Related from MyNorthwest: House Republican Leader highlights improved relations after Inslee’s exit
A new approach to misdemeanor justice
The bill, which now heads to the Senate, grants courts the authority to dismiss misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor charges if a defendant fulfills prescribed conditions, such as treatment programs, community service, or other rehabilitative efforts. Supporters argue it provides a structured path to rehabilitation while maintaining accountability for lower-level offenders.
Certain offenses, including reckless driving, hit-and-run, stalking, animal cruelty, and domestic violence crimes, are explicitly excluded. Full restitution to victims remains mandatory for dismissal, though indigent defendants cannot be denied relief solely due to an inability to pay.
Related from MyNorthwest: Workers with immigration hearings can use paid sick leave to attend under bill passed by WA House
Supporters: A path to accountability and rehabilitation
Advocates contend that Washington’s misdemeanor system disproportionately affects individuals struggling with addiction, homelessness, and mental health disorders. Representative Roger Goodman (D-Kirkland), a supporter of the bill, emphasized the need for reform.
“These are low-level misdemeanors—people running afoul of the law—who are languishing on our streets suffering from behavioral health disorders,” Goodman said on the House floor. “They are the individuals revolving through the courts of limited jurisdiction over and over again, wasting our resources. We need to provide the behavioral changes for them, and this bill will certainly help with that.”
Goodman noted that the statewide dismissal rate for low-level misdemeanors is already 45%, largely due to court backlogs, a shortage of public defenders, and judicial discretion.
Opponents: A threat to prosecutorial discretion and public safety
Opposition was deeply partisan, with Republicans arguing the bill undermines prosecutorial discretion and could weaken accountability for criminal behavior. Representative Dan Griffey (R-Allyn), who voted against the bill, voiced strong concerns.
“In Washington State, I think we’ve emboldened criminal behavior and have let people get away with too much for too long,” Griffey said. “They believe there are no consequences. We need to return to a system where there are expected consequences for violating the rules.”
Others, including members of the Washington Association of Prosecuting Attorneys and the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs, argued that the bill strips prosecutors of their ability to control case outcomes and could make it harder to hold offenders accountable.
HB 1113 now moves to the Senate for further consideration.
