[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6119017,"mediaKeyId","2715185-f1a5499aa0ea8d2eb634b49763d4436f","parentId",2715185,"title","Bill would shift DOC behavioral-health program oversight to jointly adopted standards and DOH monitoring after budget concerns","audioSeconds",2095,"startMs",1106000,"endMs",3201000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2715185-f1a5499aa0ea8d2eb634b49763d4436f&start=1106&end=3201","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2715185-f1a5499aa0ea8d2eb634b49763d4436f/thumbnail_1106000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6119017/Washington/Bill-would-shift-DOC-behavioral-health-program-oversight-to-jointly-adopted-standards-and-DOH-monitoring-after-budget-concerns","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6119017-c6bcd0a9ec91dd83eee7f8417dadc3d6/orig.mp4?Expires=1771138277&Signature=J0dPkvxzN3jsEYiI2Wi0oQr2q2v-Xh~UbjLqaOleSR5Q3304ztCaBbqwxSS8hty2mt-7Xz9usHNbDNiUtK6lGbhuRhHh8GSH8q7hjrr~2WxgcRNtc0NfkqMRPpgGTmDld~CO~k3qCRnirHrJy0h1Me-hcAhqVIDRT0tdvt3yRtDxXvRPzxOP4jOQfSkP4x8Dxz18-ThnCRwAkc6Z-vI~HE~8bcZOaNLxvLRLLJOLRuhm8M8Pbc6O~O7D3KKBMRufYJ3Aael-kJJkyRmg6fZscf6pzSWz3KTgTpvMo7hrjTp2xFo4fvoxZUUZVCeMha9sVznGOuQ~BmJ5pRa3D7~maQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Washington Legislature","date","2025-03-20T00:00:00Z","article","Senate Bill 53-88, presented in public hearing, would require the Department of Corrections (DOC) and the Department of Health (DOH) to jointly establish and adopt standards for behavioral health services provided to incarcerated people, and would shift DOH’s role to an annual-inspection and monitoring model rather than full program licensing in DOC facilities.

The staff report explained the background: prior statute required DOC behavioral health programs to be licensed or certified by DOH in the same manner as community behavioral-health facilities. DOC and stakeholders told the committee that full DOH licensing of prison-based programs would impose major fiscal and operational costs — staff cited a previously estimated $30,000,000 figure — and that the community-facility regulatory model does not fit the correctional environment. The substitute bill requires DOC and DOH to jointly adopt standards by July 1, 2026; DOC must implement those standards by July 1, 2027; DOH must begin annual inspections in 2027, produce reports identifying noncompliance, and DOC must submit corrective action plans within 45 days. The DOH may be reimbursed by DOC for technical-assistance and inspection costs; the agencies must review and update the standards by July 20, 2030 and every four years thereafter.

Testimony and stakeholder positions: DOC representatives said the statutory change reflects operational realities of prisons and will allow standards tailored to carceral settings. Kellett Saer, Assistant Secretary for Budget, Strategy and Technology at DOC, told the committee, “Prisons are not community behavioral health facilities, and the regulatory model for those facilities is not a good fit for prison settings.” Saer said the substitute bill reflects a negotiated approach with DOH and would reduce the fiscal impact compared with full DOH licensing.

Disability Rights Washington and other advocates opposed a prior version that would have removed DOH oversight entirely; they said DOH licensing visits had identified serious patient-safety issues (medical record keeping, mental-health assessment consistency, suicide-watch protocols) and argued that DOH monitoring should be preserved. Rachel Sievers of Disability Rights Washington said the amended bill is a compromise that continues DOH oversight in a monitoring role and preserves public reporting of inspection findings.

Clarifying details: committee staff and witnesses told the committee that (1) individual behavioral-health providers in DOC remain licensed by the state; (2) the bill changes program-level oversight rather than individual licensure; and (3) DOH will perform annual inspections beginning July 1, 2027, with DOC required to reimburse DOH for related costs. Testimony cited that only a small fraction of people assessed for substance-use treatment currently receive services in DOC’s capacity-constrained system; advocates pointed to reports by DOH identifying quality gaps.

Next steps: the committee held a public hearing and accepted testimony; no committee final action on this bill was recorded during the public hearing segment. Staff and agencies indicated further work ahead on standards development and fiscal implications.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","House Community Safety - 3/20/2025","oneSentenceSummary","A substitute to Senate Bill 53-88 would require the Department of Corrections and the Department of Health to jointly adopt behavioral-health standards for prison settings, with DOH conducting annual inspections and DOC required to implement standards and submit corrective plans when necessary.","taxTitle","Community Safety, Justice, & Reentry, House of Representatives, Legislative Sessions, Washington","taxId",20257,"location","Washington","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6119022,"Committee forwards bill adding Labor & Industries to limited-authority law-enforcement list",861,194000,1055000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2715185-f1a5499aa0ea8d2eb634b49763d4436f&start=194&end=1055","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2715185-f1a5499aa0ea8d2eb634b49763d4436f/thumbnail_194000.jpg","/articles/6119022/Washington/Committee-forwards-bill-adding-Labor-Industries-to-limited-authority-law-enforcement-list","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6119022-56863e62f99927c9ce0e8c658d83e5e8/orig.mp4?Expires=1771138277&Signature=mEyDhd9-Dnv-dWCuYUjBjnClC54g723iLJZ4~lSrKxp8n7U4Y21-RGb1BotGJUVp1C2LqH~tborWAPa~FOoJ3n8gbBZRvEdh5OD2XVyPHRQ199VNRf4AcUf3GXMFEiIiDQpycKZFlhbek72mH2q7wZHYxXscd4kiXRa9UYtNwo63AgOKmrocO-4AzOBebf92y5U319Y3wqsvrS2lwS4G5kZz3ET4K4g7MrDWaOUMZf~2-wZ0H7sb7gwC9yYq9SGcGWCzO4vBf1FUGFqgvLdp8xHmijGja9hE8RBjfENa9ohYHiTv6B~RrpTtk0fp~BWiVdbDauKf-sE11ynBllSteg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Community Safety, Justice & Reentry Committee reported out Senate Bill 52-09 with a due-pass recommendation. The bill adds the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) to a nonexhaustive list of limited-authority law-enforcement agencies, a technical change sponsors said was requested by the agency to support its investigations.

Committee discussion focused on the scope and safeguards for investigatory surveillance. The ranking member and other lawmakers said they support the agency’s ability to investigate claims but asked for “side guards” in light of past concerns that agency powers were misused during the COVID-19 period. Representative Burnett and other members urged tighter protections to prevent potential abuse, noting the need to ensure surveillance is conducted with attention to safety and civil liberties.

Vote and outcome: the committee recorded a roll-call vote that produced six ayes and three nays; the clerk reported the tally as 6–3 and the chair reported the bill out with a due-pass recommendation.

Clarifying details: committee staff described the change as “technical” and said it was intended to remove a statutory ambiguity that had “hampered” L&I’s investigations when L&I needed to work with law enforcement. Committee members requested additional side guards and oversight considerations during further deliberations.

Next steps: the bill moves forward with a due-pass recommendation. Committee members requested continued attention to civil-liberties safeguards as the measure proceeds through the legislative process.","Senate Bill 52-09, which explicitly adds the Department of Labor and Industries to the nonexhaustive list of limited-authority law-enforcement agencies, was reported out of committee with a due-pass recommendation after discussion about surveillance authorities and safeguards.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6119027,"Committee advances bill widening eligibility for law enforcement and first-responder hires, adopts liability and firearms language",740,124000,864000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2715185-f1a5499aa0ea8d2eb634b49763d4436f&start=124&end=864","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2715185-f1a5499aa0ea8d2eb634b49763d4436f/thumbnail_124000.jpg","/articles/6119027/Washington/Committee-advances-bill-widening-eligibility-for-law-enforcement-and-first-responder-hires-adopts-liability-and-firearms-language","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6119027-a8257bda27934bb916c9c46019a5b47f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771138277&Signature=ProkUbvaGp7SSY~afwI3hiAxiEXz~qz1YGMfcwQ6PgTEpNTgnwjdtt7P3IwN0GiUfGXmCiopQWV4D0n8KRpv7GGHSb66MOF6ntPxjCRHfhPUXrbiWQxgLj7Drf2zG3gw-q0dAyXaadUr9W~nLic1d78DOWboLSt0prduE5-RseAufNk2v6jJqPH~eKN4gSimjnQpyOTtIhxw9F7lSfNMZ-7afGpYFUyU3A3~CpXgzN0QPcu6iaWnio~HJR0yCeUja9yvoka8XHEMMBFg6gA6v0MwpEB320fir5lwmmbD0fbNTCbiBBN0nUzPW4-fY~zBlzIgRo3BvCWw-UENSADpFw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Community Safety, Justice & Reentry Committee voted to report out as amended Senate Bill 50-68, which makes persons legally authorized to work in the United States under federal law eligible to apply for specified law enforcement and civil service positions. The committee adopted an amendment (Russum 2-4-6) intended to address employer liability and officer certification issues that had been raised by law enforcement stakeholders.

Why it matters: supporters said the bill widens the recruitment pool for law enforcement and other first-responder and civil service positions by allowing people with federal work authorization (beyond lawful permanent residents and DACA recipients) to apply. The adopted amendment provides that law enforcement agencies are not liable under state or other applicable law for employment-discrimination claims if an applicant is rejected because their work authorization is limited in a way that makes employment impracticable. The amendment also states the Criminal Justice Training Commission may not deny or revoke certification solely because an applicant is prohibited from possessing a weapon under federal law on the basis of immigration status, when the person could lawfully possess a weapon in their role as a peace officer or corrections officer after hire.

Committee debate: Representative Goodman, who sponsored the amendment, said she worked with the sheriff's and police chiefs association “to make sure that the intent…is to widen the pool of possible recruits.” During debate Representative Burnett and others raised concerns about firearm carriage and off-duty or interstate implications — citing possible liability, collective-bargaining, and legal risks — and signaled further work is needed as the bill proceeds. Representative Griffey said he supported the bill but would prefer the statute to more explicitly require DOC to follow individual exit plans (comment was on a separate bill earlier).

Vote: the committee adopted the Russum 2-4-6 amendment by voice vote and later, on roll call, reported the bill (as amended) out with a due-pass recommendation by a 6–3 tally. The roll call recorded ayes from Representatives Goodman (chair), Simmons (vice chair), Davis, Farivar, Fosse and Obras; nays from Representatives Graham, Griffey and Burnett.

Clarifying details: committee members repeatedly asked for further work on whether and how federal firearms prohibitions would affect an officer’s ability to carry weapons off duty or in other jurisdictions; no final resolution of those questions was recorded in committee. The bill as amended broadened eligibility but left open practical and legal questions related to firearms endorsement, interstate carriage, and employment practicability determinations.

Next steps: staff brought the standing committee report and the committee forwarded the amended bill with a due-pass recommendation for further floor consideration and stakeholder negotiation on the firearms and liability issues.","Senate Bill 50-68 was reported out with a due-pass recommendation after the committee adopted an amendment expanding eligibility for certain noncitizen workers while adding protections for agencies regarding employment discrimination claims and accommodating certification issues tied to weapons prohibitions.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6119032,"Committee clears bill removing $100 cap on DOC release transportation and urging nonprofit coordination",287,92000,379000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2715185-f1a5499aa0ea8d2eb634b49763d4436f&start=92&end=379","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2715185-f1a5499aa0ea8d2eb634b49763d4436f/thumbnail_92000.jpg","/articles/6119032/Washington/Committee-clears-bill-removing-100-cap-on-DOC-release-transportation-and-urging-nonprofit-coordination","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6119032-59cfe465297e2d54f28c1fe80a8bd44d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771138277&Signature=KXg8OBq51QkDfa~mXfcgwvSuefStGZHOhn0xd-XoZ06bt~k3K8Sf2~FZHZx99rfKvPJlo8Jc1~0XsktWI3ZoKq0-6Q-n5-qhKOiAjEeZ~I-XQFgwehWIXVuoGXeXuzEHQt146Rk~aM6a6xNWT41xdddSgWPeZqzteTbSFCcyKf5Ivqw5gxRlmTD-fjLS04rEJtuZyAlKJyu8M6-hP1nVV6IdbvckZrBQl5SSjB6~qWAzcGjdvLpvT4q46rSO9IIdBcz5-QetsISQqM2QsiT4W0D7ZR6B96rk5tR46tagcNxWpXNDGsbaCArguT49OmqlUYwdO0lWqXDAZAoyZfb36Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Community Safety, Justice & Reentry Committee voted to report out engrossed substitute Senate Bill 50-29 with a due-pass recommendation, removing a statutory limit that had required release transportation to be the least expensive public method costing $100 or less and reaffirming that DOC must deliver people to an authorized location within Washington.

The measure changes Department of Corrections (DOC) requirements for people released or transferred from total confinement. Under the bill summary presented to the committee, the prior requirement that release transportation be the least expensive method of public transportation costing $100 or less is removed; transportation is limited to an authorized location within the state unless otherwise required. The motion to report the bill was made during executive session and the committee chair recorded the bill as reported with all members voting in the affirmative.

Why it matters: supporters said the change addresses real safety concerns for people exiting confinement. The committee discussion emphasized ensuring people are not left “out in the middle of the street 2 in the morning” and signaled legislative intent that DOC work with nonprofit groups to arrange safe arrivals.

Committee debate and remarks highlighted operational intent rather than new funding formulas. Representative Griffey said he supported the bill but would prefer stronger language requiring DOC to make sure “once you exit, you're gonna — we're gonna take you where you have to go, where your exit plan says you're going to go,” adding, “I don't care how much it costs.” The committee chair and others said the bill lifts a restriction and promotes cooperative arrangements between DOC and community providers.

Outcome and next steps: staff noted no amendments were pending at the time of the motion. The committee recorded a unanimous affirmative vote; the chair stated, “let the record reflect that all members are present and all members are voting in the affirmative,” and reported the bill out with a due-pass recommendation.

Clarifying details and limitations: the bill text as summarized focuses on the statutory transport requirement (removing the $100 cap and limiting transport to an authorized in-state location) and requires cooperation with nonprofits; it does not specify a funding source in committee discussion. No specific implementation timeline or appropriation was described during the executive-session remarks.

The committee moved on to other agenda items after reporting the bill.","The Community Safety, Justice & Reentry Committee voted to report out Senate Bill 50-29, which removes a prior $100 limit on Department of Corrections transportation for people leaving total confinement and directs DOC to coordinate with nonprofits to ensure safe transport to an authorized location in state.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6119012,"Committee hears bill expanding Statewide Reentry Council membership and allowing stipends for lived-experience members",1269,1830000,3099000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2715185-f1a5499aa0ea8d2eb634b49763d4436f&start=1830&end=3099","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2715185-f1a5499aa0ea8d2eb634b49763d4436f/thumbnail_1830000.jpg","/articles/6119012/Washington/Committee-hears-bill-expanding-Statewide-Reentry-Council-membership-and-allowing-stipends-for-lived-experience-members","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6119012-b5929022706ff186912a3ef88588802c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771138277&Signature=CE4Mr1kjYIX4UOkgv0OZj1iGXWaXDgLEd9HqY~EgIoOPlTH55YW22RpzT~uv0TbkL3yxAFkt-cYUEYFN18mWd78VHgxB6Mn~92pP9eqTzlmaA8L7Cb9X7rf~cHoakzh4Xw2YixOZaHGt8nRvYf3m0YqVxgfmwT-PC39iezbhqK278~qTjQT14KpKF7ct8k~6GTH-9wS6hlXAcJNrv6FtraZTkm3mcagPlsPH83MRRbM4-QEzXpKKkB18yl4~~WrXeLKAQce1VFNazPR2shK4qcksPMLbFCcxk0~7LPJoiuKNyyTLOMRrkNHKaQMlY0XKgf3SnUXBamIQQQhIvoeeLA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Senate Bill 51-39, in public hearing before the Community Safety, Justice & Reentry Committee, would expand the Washington Statewide Reentry Council, add specific seats for people with lived experience and crime survivors, and permit compensation for council members as provided under state law for class-1 part-time groups.

Staff and sponsors described the council’s role: established in 2016 within the Department of Commerce, the council advises the legislature and governor, reviews policy and funding recommendations, applies for grants, and pursues reentry goals, including the Reentry 2030 executive directive. The bill would expand membership to 22 by adding two community members who are currently incarcerated, two people who are survivors or victims of crime, and agency representatives from the Health Care Authority, Department of Social and Health Services, and the Employment Security Department. Quorum would increase from seven to 12 members.

A key statutory change is removal of language prohibiting council members from receiving compensation; the bill instead makes members eligible for compensation consistent with state law for class-1 part-time groups and allows agencies to provide stipends (subject to available funding and limits) for low-income or lived-experience members. Witnesses called for inclusive representation: Senator Claire Wilson and Janelle McPhee, the council’s executive director, emphasized that meaningful inclusion of lived experience and survivors improves policy and outcomes.

Public testimony: the Department of Corrections and the council’s executive director testified in support. Dr. Esther Matthews, a management analyst with the reentry council who described her lived experience of incarceration, told the committee the council had surveyed roughly 14,000 people in state prisons and found that most respondents were unaware of the council. She said formal seats for currently incarcerated people would help close that gap and honored commitments under the Nothing About Us Without Us Act.

Clarifying details: the bill text does not define “community members” further in statute; committee staff said they would review definitions and implementation logistics. Vice Chair Simmons offered a friendly amendment request (accepted by the sponsor) to ensure that of the incarcerated members one would be drawn from a men’s facility and one from a women’s facility to increase representational diversity. The bill preserves the council’s authority to meet virtually and allows stipend mechanisms already authorized for class-1 groups; the stipend cap noted in statute is not more than $200 per day for eligible class-1 members.

Next steps: the committee held public testimony and accepted multiple agency and lived-experience speakers in support; committee members asked staff to refine statutory language and definitions on membership and participation logistics. No committee final action was recorded in the hearing segment.","Senate Bill 51-39 would expand the Washington Statewide Reentry Council from 15 to 22 members, add representation including currently incarcerated individuals and crime survivors, and remove a statutory prohibition on compensation so agencies may provide stipends to class-1 members with lived experience.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Bill would shift DOC behavioral-health program oversight to jointly adopted standards and DOH monitoring after budget concerns

Committee forwards bill adding Labor & Industries to limited-authority law-enforcement list

Committee advances bill widening eligibility for law enforcement and first-responder hires, adopts liability and firearms language

Committee clears bill removing $100 cap on DOC release transportation and urging nonprofit coordination

Committee hears bill expanding Statewide Reentry Council membership and allowing stipends for lived-experience members