Concerning sexually violent predators.

Earlier commitment reviews and broader records access

Beginning July 27, 2025, Washington agencies must send written referrals at least three months before covered releases for possible civil commitment. Covered releases include people convicted of sexually violent offenses, those found incompetent to stand trial, and those acquitted by reason of insanity. Referrals go to the county prosecutor and state attorney general; they do not themselves order commitment. Prosecutors can compel relevant records through existing court inquiry procedures without meeting the former necessity standard. Before filing a civil commitment case, prosecutors can also issue written demands for relevant public-agency documents or recordings. Demands must identify their legal authority, purpose, requested records, deadline, and staff allowed to access the records. They cannot require privileged records, exceed what a state-court subpoena can require, or impose unreasonable terms. Agencies can ask a court to extend, change, or cancel a demand by its deadline or within 20 days after service, whichever comes first. Prosecutors can seek court enforcement and sanctions for failure to comply. Records remain subject to legal use and disclosure limits, and the new demand tool cannot be used for criminal prosecutions.