The proposed bill seeks to enhance the oversight of the jail system in Washington state by establishing a new Jail Oversight Board within the governor's office. This board will consist of seven members with diverse backgrounds, including former jail administrators and individuals with lived experience of incarceration. Its responsibilities will include monitoring jail conditions, collecting data, and making recommendations for improvements, as well as establishing a statewide uniform jail reporting system. The bill also emphasizes the protection of information shared with the board, ensuring confidentiality for complainants and granting civil immunity to board employees for actions taken in good faith. Additionally, it prohibits retaliatory actions against individuals who provide information to the board.

Furthermore, the bill mandates that city or county departments of corrections conduct unexpected fatality reviews for any unexpected deaths in custody, forming a review team that includes the director of the jail oversight board or their designee. This team will develop recommendations aimed at preventing future fatalities and improving safety and health protections for individuals in custody. Reports from these reviews must be issued within 120 days and made publicly available, with certain confidential information redacted. The legislation also outlines legal protections for the review process, including restrictions on the admissibility of review documents in civil or administrative proceedings, thereby reinforcing accountability and transparency within the jail system.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 70.48.510