Signed by Governor Jay Inslee

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to concur with senate amendments and pass a bill that establishes new regulations concerning private prisons.

Highlights:

• Defines “private detention facility” as a detention facility that is run by a private, nongovernment, for-profit entity operating with a contract from a federal, state, or local agency (Sec. 1).

• Defines “detained individual” as an individual confined in a private detention facility and authorizes them to the right of private action against a private detention facility who violates state requirements (Sec. 9).

• Requires detained individuals have the right to the following, including (Sec. 10):

• Fresh air;

• Clean clothing;

• Clean living spaces; and

• Nutritious food.

• Requires the department of health to conduct routine unannounced inspections of private detention facilities, including, but not limited to (Sec. 3):

• Inspection of food services and food handling;

• Sanitation and hygiene; and

• Nutrition as provided.

• Establishes new regulations concerning private prisons including that states have the broad authority to enforce generally applicable health and safety laws against contractors operating private prison detention facilities for detained individuals, including over (Sec. 8):

• Daily in-person visitation;

• Telecommunication services free of charge;

• Basic hygiene items free of charge;

• Access to the internet; and

• Prohibitions on solitary confinement.

• Specifies state agencies will have strong enforcement authorities over the provisions of this bill which shall take effect upon passage and approval by the governor (Sec. 14).

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to amend and pass a bill that establishes new regulations concerning private prisons.

Highlights:

• Defines “private detention facility” as a detention facility that is run by a private, nongovernment, for-profit entity operating with a contract from a federal, state, or local agency (Sec. 1).

• Defines “detained individual” as an individual confined in a private detention facility and authorizes them to the right of private action against a private detention facility who violates state requirements (Sec. 9).

• Requires detained individuals have the right to the following, including (Sec. 10):

• Fresh air;

• Clean clothing;

• Clean living spaces; and

• Nutritious food.

• Requires the department of health to conduct routine unannounced inspections of private detention facilities, including, but not limited to (Sec. 3):

• Inspection of food services and food handling;

• Sanitation and hygiene; and

• Nutrition as provided.

• Establishes new regulations concerning private prisons including that states have the broad authority to enforce generally applicable health and safety laws against contractors operating private prison detention facilities for detained individuals, including over (Sec. 8):

• Daily in-person visitation;

• Telecommunication services free of charge;

• Basic hygiene items free of charge;

• Access to the internet; and

• Prohibitions on solitary confinement.

• Specifies state agencies will have strong enforcement authorities over the provisions of this bill which shall take effect upon passage and approval by the governor (Sec. 14).

Full Bill Text