What is the Commission’s mission?

The Sentencing Guidelines Commission (Commission) promotes accountability and equity in adult and juvenile sentencing, provides accurate and timely information about sentencing, and recommends improvements to the criminal justice system. The Commission holds an advisory position and does not have the authority to make or change state laws or policies.

How does the Commission receive an assignment? What topics can the Commission work on?

As an advisory body, the Commission works at the request of the Governor and/or legislators and investigates policy issues that its members feel are pertinent to the state’s criminal sentencing system.

Read more about the history of the Commission.

Who serves on the Commission?

RCW 9.94A.860 designates the membership of the Commission in statute. The Commission consists of 25 voting members, (20 appointed by the Governor and five ex-officio), and four non-voting legislative members. Please see the Members page for the Commission’s current membership.

When does the Commission meet?

The Commission meets on the second Friday of every month beginning at 9 a.m. Please see our meetings page for upcoming meeting information. During the first half of the legislative session, the Commission meets over the lunch hour on Fridays to discuss legislation. These special meetings are held when called upon by the Chair.

How can I attend an upcoming meeting?

All Commission meetings are hybrid meetings. A zoom link is made available for the public and a physical location is published in accordance with the Open Public Meetings Act. Please see the Meetings tab for details on upcoming meetings.

How can I address the Commission?

Comments emailed to sgc@ofm.wa.gov will be shared with the Commission. Time for public comment is provided during meetings in accordance with our bylaws and the Open Public Meetings Act.

Where can I find the Commission’s previous recommendations?

You can view the Commission’s prior recommendations and publications on the Publications page.

Where can I find the Commission’s positions on legislative bills?

The Commission reviews and discusses a limited number of criminal justice-related legislative bills during the legislative session. Motions taken on bills can be found in the meeting minutes of each meeting held or in the summary document found on our About page.

Does the Commission create or maintain the sentencing guidelines for the state?

The Commission does not create or maintain the sentencing guidelines for the state. The Commission serves to advise the governor and/or Legislature on policy issues related to adult and juvenile sentencing.

Where can I access victim services?

You may find these resources helpful:

• Washington Domestic Violence Programs – Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault
• Victim Services | Washington State About Us – Victim Support Services
• Washington | State Support | Office for Victims of Crime
• Department of Corrections

Does the Commission supervise individuals?

No, the Commission does not supervise individuals.

Where can I find out about registration requirements?

For information regarding the requirements for individuals convicted of a sex offense, please see Washington Association of Sheriffs & Police Chief’s (WASPC) website: Sex Offender Information

Does the Commission offer legal advice or advocate for individual cases?

No. The Commission cannot provide interpretations of state statutes and does not advocate for individuals. In these cases, reaching out to the Office of Public Defense is recommended.

How can I get involved with the Commission?

The Commission meets the second Friday of every month. Upcoming meeting information can be accessed on the Meetings tab. If you are interested in receiving correspondence from the Commission, you can request to be added to our listserv at sgc@ofm.wa.gov. If you wish to serve as a member of the Commission, submit an application with the Governor’s Boards and Commissions Office [Boards & Commissions | Governor Bob Ferguson]