Concerning restrictions on the placement of inmates of different biological sexes in correctional facilities.

HB 1629 prohibits housing inmates in shared cells or rooms with someone of a different biological sex if the inmate has a prior conviction or current charges for a sex offense, violent offense, or domestic violence against a victim of the same sex as the potential roommate. This rule directly affects inmates in Washington state correctional facilities and the staff managing housing assignments. The bill defines "history of sexual or physical violence" as current charges or prior convictions for offenses listed in RCW 9.94A.030. It creates a new requirement for correctional facilities to follow this placement policy.