OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — Washington Gov. Jay Inslee has signed a measure that will soon offer an alternative to prison for people with a serious mental illness who commit a crime. Under the new law, judges will have the option to sentence a person to community supervision and treatment in lieu of prison. Washington already offers sentencing alternatives for certain drug offenders and certain sex offenders. The program will be open to individuals who are convicted of a felony crime that is not a serious violent offense or a sex offense. It takes effect July 25.
New law offers prison alternatives for mentally ill
