Substitute Senate Bill 5714 defines new types of unprofessional conduct for licensed bail bond agents and bail bond recovery agents in Washington state. The bill prohibits these agents from using their position to enforce civil immigration warrants. Additionally, it makes it unprofessional conduct for agents to share a defendant's immigration status outside of their bail bond agency's business. These provisions aim to regulate the specific activities and information handling practices of bail bond professionals.
Senate Bill 5716 expands the definition of "unlawful transit conduct" to include actions occurring on Washington State Ferries. This bill amends existing law (RCW 9.91.025) to explicitly include the Washington State Ferries under the definition of a "transit authority." As a result, behaviors such as smoking, littering, playing loud music without headphones, or consuming alcohol without authorization are now considered unlawful conduct when on or at ferry facilities. Individuals who violate these provisions on Washington State Ferries can be found guilty of a misdemeanor.
HB 1395 streamlines the background check process for home care workers, long-term care providers, and others working with vulnerable adults and children in Washington state. It prevents the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) from automatically disqualifying individuals for certain past criminal convictions, such as specific theft or assault charges, once a specified number of years have passed. However, DSHS or authorized entities can still consider these convictions during a "character, competence, and suitability review," and clients must be informed of an approved provider's background check results before services begin. The bill also allows some providers to work for up to 30 days while their review is pending, with client notification, and limits when new suitability reviews are required for previously cleared non-disqualifying issues.
SB 5029 updates the support provided to individuals being released or transferred from Washington state correctional facilities. The bill removes the previous $100 cap and "least expensive" method requirement for transportation, allowing the Department of Corrections (DOC) to arrange travel to a person's residence or reentry plan location, generally within the state. It clarifies that individuals transferred to community custody or partial confinement programs are also eligible for initial subsistence funds (at least $40) and suitable clothing. Additionally, the bill authorizes the DOC to provide temporary rental vouchers for up to six months to prevent homelessness for those being released. The DOC is also required to submit annual reports on transportation costs exceeding $100.
SB 5139 modifies the structure and operations of the state's Reentry Council, which advises on policies for individuals transitioning from incarceration. The bill expands the council's membership from 15 to 22, adding new representatives for currently incarcerated individuals, crime victims and survivors, and various statewide organizations. It also requires the Governor to consider racial, ethnic, gender, and geographic diversity when making appointments. Additionally, the bill allows council members to receive compensation and increases the number of members required for a meeting to proceed.
House Bill 1185 modifies the membership of the correctional industries advisory committee. It clarifies the committee will consist of 11 voting members, with nine appointed by the secretary and two by the governor. A key provision is that the two governor-appointed voting members must be individuals from underrepresented populations who have direct lived experience, though they cannot be currently incarcerated. This change ensures that the committee includes diverse perspectives from individuals directly impacted by the correctional system.
HB 1815 modifies laws concerning prison riot offenses, specifically for those committed in juvenile facilities. The bill clarifies that juvenile detention centers are not considered "correctional institutions" for adult prison riot offenses. It allows individuals to apply to have their records of conviction or adjudication for these offenses vacated if they occurred in a facility operated by the Department of Children, Youth, and Families or a county juvenile detention facility. Additionally, it creates a process to review and potentially reduce sentences for individuals whose past "prison riot" convictions from juvenile facilities were used to enhance their later adult sentences.
HB 1391 aims to improve and expand alternatives for youth outside the formal court process, specifically focusing on diversion programs. The bill intends to strengthen the ability of courts to offer robust diversion services and contract with community providers to deliver these programs. It also updates definitions related to community-based rehabilitation, supervision, and confinement within the juvenile justice system. A key provision modifies the definition of "criminal history" so that cases handled through diversion by a prosecutor will not count against a youth's record.
SB 5202 aims to improve the effectiveness of judicial protection orders for survivors of abuse and support law enforcement. It requires courts, including limited jurisdiction courts by January 2026, to implement electronic submission and tracking systems for protection order petitions, allowing remote filing and providing electronic notifications to parties. The bill also mandates the use of a confidential information form to aid identification and service, and prohibits courts from charging petitioners fees or requiring bonds for these orders. Furthermore, it ensures that relief for protection orders cannot be denied or delayed due to other pending legal matters.
HB 1028 updates state law regarding child exposure to violence by revising key definitions. It broadens the definition of a "child forensic interview" to include interviews with children exposed to violence against another person, emphasizing culturally responsive and research-based methods. The bill also updates the definition of a "children's advocacy center" to reflect their role as trauma-informed, facility-based programs that support children traumatized by abuse or exposure to violence, adhering to national accreditation standards. These changes aim to improve the investigation and support for child victims and witnesses.
