Opinion ID: 2499996
Heading Depth: 4
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Whether Legislature Intended Retroactive Application

Text: ¶ 11 We first turn to the question whether the statute is prospective or retroactive. We agree with Mr. Flint that the legislature did not intend that the statute apply retroactively. Statutory amendments are presumed to operate prospectively. Hale v. Wellpinit Sch. Dist. No. 49, 165 Wash.2d 494, 507-08, 198 P.3d 1021 (2009). The presumption is overcome only when the legislature explicitly provides for retroactive application or the amendment is curative or remedial. Densley v. Dep't of Ret. Sys., 162 Wash.2d 210, 223, 173 P.3d 885 (2007); State v. Cruz, 139 Wash.2d 186, 191, 985 P.2d 384 (1999). A curative amendment clarifies or makes a technical correction to an ambiguous statute. Cruz, 139 Wash.2d at 192, 985 P.2d 384. A remedial change relates to practices, procedures, or remedies without affecting substantive or vested rights. Id. The legislature has not expressly provided that RCW 9.94A.737(2) is retroactive, and the State has not shown that it is curative or remedial. ¶ 12 We find no basis for concluding that the 2007 amendment to RCW 9.94A.737 adding subsection 2 was intended to be applied retroactively