House Bill 1196, if approved by the state legislature and signed into law by Governor Jay Inslee, would increase transparency in the plea bargain process. State Representative Gina Mosbrucker (R-Goldendale) said she has been told that 92% of cases in Washington are settled via plea bargain.
January 23, 2023
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Bill looks to bring plea bargain transparency
OLYMPIA - A bill in the Washington State House would bring transparency to the plea negotiation process in the criminal justice system. "For the most part, the criminal justice system in our state is very transparent. The courts are open to the public during trials. We can see the jurors, judge, prosecutors and defense attorneys. We can watch people testify in court," said Rep. Gina Mosbrucker (R-Goldendale), ranking member of the House Community Safety, Justice and Reentry Committee. "However, plea negotiations in Washington state are often done behind closed doors, which many of my constituents are concerned about." ...