Bill > SB5409

This bill establishes a four-year pilot program at the Washington State Penitentiary East Complex aimed at creating a healthier and more rehabilitative environment for correctional officers and incarcerated individuals. The legislature recognizes the significant negative health impacts of corrections work, noting that correctional officers have an average life expectancy of 59 years (16 years shorter than other professions) and higher suicide rates. The pilot program will implement several key strategies, including selecting contact officers to serve as mentors who encourage prosocial behaviors, training correctional officers in dynamic security tactics and crisis de-escalation, and creating a work and living environment that more closely resembles community life. This includes potential improvements like painting and planting programs. The department will be required to submit annual reports detailing participant numbers, behavioral changes, and recidivism outcomes. The program's goals include reducing violent behavior, lowering recidivism rates, improving staff and inmate health, enhancing facility security, and improving communication and voluntary compliance with health measures. The pilot is set to run until June 30, 2030, providing an opportunity to evaluate its effectiveness in transforming the correctional environment.

Budget and Finance, Labor and Employment

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5409&Year=2025&Initiative=false