OLYMPIA — Legislation to improve transportation options for people discharged from the state Department of Corrections (DOC) was signed into law on Monday.

Senate Bill 5029, sponsored by Sen. Claire Wilson (D-Auburn), removes a requirement that transportation for people leaving DOC custody be the cheapest available and under $100. The limit hasn’t been amended or adjusted for inflation since it was first enacted in 1971.

“It’s important we set people up for a successful re-entry into society when they are released from DOC, and that’s why I’m proud we are updating this outdated law so we can ensure people discharged from DOC have reliable transportation to where they need to be,” said Wilson.

The limit under current law has meant that people released from prison, especially those released in rural areas, have great difficulty getting home because using the least expensive method of transportation often involves multiple transfers, stop delays, and long waits at odd hours. It has also made it difficult for individuals to reach other important destinations such as court mandated programs, potentially risking noncompliance with post-release requirements.

In addition, this bill helps improve collaboration between DOC re-entry staff and outside groups that help people who are released from prison. It requires DOC to make a reasonable effort to coordinate the timing of the release and transportation with a partnering nonprofit to support the individual’s re-entry.

“We know that a network of support is statistically one of the most important factors in ensuring successful re-entry, therefore reducing future recidivism,” said Wilson. “Helping people get back home is one of the first and simplest steps we can take to help people get back on their feet.”

Under SB 5029, the superintendent reserves the right to decide whether to approve or deny any transportation expenses intended for one individual to ensure appropriate use of state funds and that the request is reasonable. The bill also limits the public transportation provided by DOC to a location within the state, except for situations where there is an agreement between the state and another state or the state and the federal government.

SB 5029 takes effect this July.