The proposed bill aims to enhance access to voting for individuals incarcerated in jails and those hospitalized in state facilities by establishing a new chapter in Title 29A RCW. It mandates that each county auditor's office designate a voting coordinator for jails and state hospitals, and requires the creation of a voting plan that outlines how these facilities will assist individuals in registering to vote, accessing voting materials, and understanding their voting rights. The plans must be developed in collaboration with the respective voting coordinators and reviewed every two years, with an initial deadline set for January 1, 2026. Additionally, the bill stipulates that jails and state hospitals must provide necessary voting information and materials, treat election-related mail as legal mail, and document voting-related requests and complaints.

Furthermore, the bill empowers the attorney general to investigate and take legal action against any county, jail, or state hospital that violates the provisions of this chapter, with potential penalties for intentional violations. It also includes a provision for a study to be conducted by the University of Washington Evans School of Public Policy and Governance to identify challenges in providing voting assistance to incarcerated individuals, with a report due by June 30, 2026. Overall, the legislation seeks to ensure that individuals in jails and state hospitals can exercise their voting rights while maintaining the operational and security needs of these facilities.