Bill > HB1396

This bill increases transparency and accountability for the Office of Corrections Ombuds by establishing an advisory council composed of 11 members with diverse backgrounds, including currently and formerly incarcerated individuals, family members of incarcerated people, and community experts. The advisory council will help the Ombuds establish priorities, provide input, receive briefings on deidentified data and trends, and make recommendations, though they cannot participate in investigations or access confidential records. Members will be appointed by the governor for two-year staggered terms, with a focus on reflecting the racial and ethnic makeup of the incarcerated population. The bill also updates the Ombuds' responsibilities to include consulting with the advisory council when setting priorities, soliciting feedback directly from incarcerated individuals and stakeholders, and holding quarterly public meetings. Additionally, the legislation updates terminology from "inmates" to "incarcerated individuals" throughout the existing law, emphasizing a more respectful approach to describing people in correctional facilities. Eligible council members, including those currently incarcerated, will receive stipends, and all members must complete training to utilize an antiracist lens in their duties.

Budget and Finance, Housing and Urban Affairs

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1396&Year=2025&Initiative=false