Intent -- 2008 c 231: "The existing sentencing reform act contains numerous provisions for supervision of different types of offenders. This duplication has caused great confusion for judges, lawyers, offenders, and the department of corrections, and often results in inaccurate sentences. The clarifications in this act are intended to support continued discussions by the sentencing guidelines commission with the courts and the criminal justice community to identify and propose policy changes that will further simplify and improve the sentencing reform act relating to the supervision of offenders. The sentencing guidelines commission shall submit policy change proposals to the legislature on or before December 1, 2008.

     Sections 7 through 58 of this act are intended to simplify the supervision provisions of the sentencing reform act and increase the uniformity of its application. These sections are not intended to either increase or decrease the authority of sentencing courts or the department relating to supervision, except for those provisions instructing the court to apply the provisions of the current community custody law to offenders sentenced after July 1, 2009, but who committed their crime prior to August 1, 2009, to the extent that such application is constitutionally permissible.

     This will effect a change for offenders who committed their crimes prior to the offender accountability act, chapter 196, Laws of 1999. These offenders will be ordered to a term of community custody rather than community placement or community supervision. To the extent constitutionally permissible, the terms of the offender's supervision will be as provided in current law. With the exception of this change, the legislature does not intend to make, and no provision of sections 7 through 58 of this act may be construed as making, a substantive change to the supervision provisions of the sentencing reform act.

     It is the intent of the legislature to reaffirm that section 3, chapter 379, Laws of 2003, expires July 1, 2010." [2008 c 231 § 6.]

     Application -- 2008 c 231 §§ 6-58: "(1) Sections 6 through 58 of this act apply to all sentences imposed or reimposed on or after August 1, 2009, for any crime committed on or after August 1, 2009.

     (2) Sections 6 through 58 of this act also apply to all sentences imposed or reimposed on or after August 1, 2009, for crimes committed prior to August 1, 2009, to the extent that such application is constitutionally permissible.

     (3) To the extent that application of sections 6 through 58 of this act is not constitutionally permissible with respect to any offender, the sentence for such offender shall be governed by the law as it existed before August 1, 2009, or on such prior date as may be constitutionally required, notwithstanding any amendment or repeal of provisions of such law.

     (4) If application of sections 6 through 58 of this act is not constitutionally permissible with respect to any offender, the judgment and sentence shall specify the particular sentencing provisions that will not apply to such offender. Whenever practical, the judgment and sentence shall use the terminology set out in this act.

     (5) The sentencing guidelines commission shall prepare a summary of the circumstances under which application of sections 6 through 58 of this act is not constitutionally permissible. The summary should include recommendations of conditions that could be included in judgments and sentences in order to prevent unconstitutional application of the act. This summary shall be incorporated into the Adult Sentencing Guidelines Manual.

     (6) Sections 6 through 58 of this act shall not affect the enforcement of any sentence that was imposed prior to August 1, 2009, unless the offender is resentenced after that date." [2008 c 231 § 55.]

     Application of repealers -- 2008 c 231 § 57: "The repealers in section 57 of this act shall not affect the validity of any sentence that was imposed prior to August 1, 2009, or the authority of the department of corrections to supervise any offender pursuant to such sentence." [2008 c 231 § 58.]

     Effective date -- 2008 c 231 §§ 6-60: "Sections 6 through 60 of this act take effect August 1, 2009." [2008 c 231 § 61.]

     Severability -- 2008 c 231: See note following RCW 9.94A.500.