Bill > SB5490

This bill provides detailed guidelines for conducting searches of transgender and intersex individuals in local jails, ensuring their dignity and privacy while maintaining facility security. The legislation requires jail administrators to develop policies compliant with the federal Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA), specifically prohibiting searches conducted solely to determine an individual's genital status. Searches must be performed professionally and respectfully, with the least intrusive method possible, and individuals must be given options for how searches are conducted, such as choosing the gender of the staff performing the search or having the search done by a medical professional. The bill mandates that staff be trained in conducting cross-gender and sensitive searches, and requires facilities to implement privacy protections like ensuring individuals can shower and change clothing without being viewed by staff of the opposite gender. Staff of the opposite gender must announce their presence when entering housing units, and searches cannot be based solely on facility gender designation but must consider the individual's gender identity and preferences. Searches by individuals of a different gender are only permitted in exigent circumstances threatening facility security. Local jails must adopt these standards by September 1, 2025, with the goal of protecting the rights and dignity of transgender and intersex individuals in custody.

Housing and Urban Affairs, Labor and Employment

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5490&Year=2025&Initiative=false