The bill aims to establish uniform policies and procedures within Washington's Department of Corrections regarding disciplinary proceedings and administrative segregation. It amends RCW 72.09.015, introducing new definitions and clarifying existing terms, such as replacing "offenders" with "incarcerated individuals" throughout the text. The bill also defines "administrative segregation" as the temporary removal of an incarcerated person deemed a threat to safety and security, and outlines the circumstances that may warrant such segregation, including escape attempts and serious assaults. Additionally, it mandates that the department evaluate its practices to reduce the duration of administrative segregation and requires updates to individuals placed in segregation beyond 30 days.

Furthermore, the bill establishes the presumption of innocence for incarcerated individuals facing infractions, placing the burden of proof on the facility to demonstrate rule violations. It requires that disciplinary hearings document evidence and findings clearly. The Department of Corrections is also tasked with publishing an annual report on its use of administrative segregation, detailing placements, reasons for segregation, and lengths of stay, with a goal of reducing median stays to 15 days or less. This comprehensive approach seeks to enhance transparency and accountability within the correctional system while ensuring the rights of incarcerated individuals are upheld.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 72.09.015
Substitute Bill: 72.09.015