OLYMPIA — A bill aimed at increasing transparency, accountability, and oversight in Washington jails was heard Tuesday in the Senate Human Services Committee.
Senate Bill 5005, sponsored by Sen. Rebecca Saldaña (D-Seattle), proposes creating a Jail Oversight Board within the governor’s office. The independent body would monitor jails, investigate complaints, and ensure compliance with standards promoting safe, humane, and rehabilitative practices.
“This bill is about treating everyone in our jail system with dignity and respect while keeping our communities safe,” Saldaña said. “Independent oversight and real transparency are key to addressing challenges in our jails and building a system that works for everyone.”
Key provisions of SB 5005 include:
- Establishing an independent Jail Oversight Board with diverse membership, including individuals with lived experience, health care professionals, and legal experts.
- Creating a statewide uniform reporting system to collect, analyze, and publicly share jail data, promoting greater transparency.
- Mandating regular monitoring and investigations to ensure adherence to legal and constitutional standards.
- Promoting rehabilitative and therapeutic practices aimed at reducing recidivism and improving outcomes for incarcerated individuals.
The bill stems from recommendations made by the Joint Legislative Task Force on Jail Standards, which identified significant accountability and oversight gaps in a statewide review of jail practices.
“We owe it to our communities — both the officers and staff who work in our jails and those detained there — to ensure conditions are safe, fair and transparent,” Saldaña said.
Follow the bill’s progress here.
