Bill > SB5005

This bill creates the Washington Jail Council within the governor's office to promote transparency, safety, and reform in the state's city, county, and regional jail systems. The council will consist of seven members appointed by the governor, including individuals with diverse backgrounds such as former jail administrators, medical and behavioral health providers, people with lived experience of incarceration, a licensed attorney, and a jail employee. The council will have a director appointed for a five-year term, who will be responsible for employing staff and carrying out the council's objectives. Key responsibilities of the council include collecting and analyzing information about jail operations, conducting annual jail surveys, monitoring jail compliance with policies and laws, investigating systemic issues, providing technical assistance to jail administrators, and submitting annual reports to the governor and legislature. The bill grants the council and its director significant access to jail facilities, records, and personnel, with provisions to protect the confidentiality of sensitive information and individuals. The council is also empowered to serve on unexpected fatality review teams and can report findings to relevant agencies without compromising individual identities. Additionally, the bill includes protections against retaliatory actions for individuals who provide information to the council and ensures civil immunity for good-faith interactions with the council.

Budget and Finance, Labor and Employment

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5005&Year=2025&Initiative=false