SB 5342 Washington Senate · 2025-2026 Regular Session

Providing access for legislators to facilities owned and operated by the state.

SB 5342 requires Washington state agencies (like corrections, child welfare, and social services departments) to make reasonable efforts to arrange visits for legislators to state-run facilities upon written request. It mandates agencies to provide prompt written explanations if a visit can't be scheduled as requested, and specifies that visits may include facility tours or meetings with constituents residing in those facilities. The bill directly affects current state legislators and state agencies managing secure facilities, while ensuring all visits follow facility safety protocols. It does not change policy but establishes a procedural framework for legislative access.

Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared

Introduction

Jan 2026

Committee Review

Floor Vote

Governor

Introduced Jan 12, 2026 Last action Jan 12, 2026

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What changed between versions

Bill → Substitute Bill · 5 edits

MODERATE

The bill was amended to replace a rigid 48-hour access mandate with a flexible requirement for agencies to make 'reasonable efforts' to accommodate visits within the requested timeframe. The changes also expanded eligibility to include appointed legislative members and clarified that family event attendance is managed on a case-by-case basis rather than guaranteed access.

Scope change

The bill's scope was expanded to include appointed members of the legislature in addition to elected members, and the definition of access was refined to clarify that family events are not automatically included.

REQUIREMENT

Replaced the strict 48-hour response and access timeline with a requirement for agencies to make 'reasonable efforts' to facilitate visits within the requested time frame.

Added a new requirement that all visitors must adhere to safety and security protocols outlined by department policy.

ELIGIBILITY

Extended the right to request facility access to include appointed members of the legislature, not just currently elected members.

SCOPE

Added specific language clarifying that access to family events is managed on a case-by-case basis with priority given to family members.

TIMELINE

Changed the agency response requirement from a strict 48-hour deadline to providing a prompt written response explaining delays and the earliest possible visit date.

Floor votes

How they voted

No floor votes recorded yet.

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Jan 12, 2026

Introduced

By resolution, reintroduced and retained in present status.

upper

Feb 17, 2025

Upper · Passed

Public hearing in the Senate Committee on Ways & Means at 4:00 PM.

upper

Feb 6, 2025

Committee

Referred to Ways & Means.

upper

Feb 5, 2025

Committee

And refer to Ways & Means.

upper

Feb 5, 2025

Upper · Passed

Executive action taken in the Senate Committee on Human Services at 8:00 AM.

upper

Jan 28, 2025

Upper · Passed

Public hearing in the Senate Committee on Human Services at 1:30 PM.

upper

1 primary · 1 co-sponsor