The proposed bill establishes an independent Jail Oversight Board within the governor's office in Washington state to enhance transparency, public safety, and humane conditions within the jail system. The board will consist of seven members with diverse backgrounds, including former jail administrators and individuals with lived experience of incarceration. Key provisions include the creation of a statewide uniform jail reporting system for data collection, the board's authority to access jail facilities, and the ability to publish reports and investigate systemic issues. The legislation emphasizes the importance of public trust and aims to promote a rehabilitative jail system while holding facilities accountable.

Additionally, the bill provides protections for board employees and individuals involved in the jail system regarding the reporting of unexpected fatalities in custody. It prohibits civil actions against board employees for good faith performance of their duties and protects individuals from retaliatory actions for providing information. The bill mandates that unexpected fatality reviews be conducted by local departments of corrections, including a team with the director of the jail oversight board, and requires that reports be publicly available within 120 days. Legal protections are also outlined for the review process to ensure confidentiality while allowing necessary disclosures.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 70.48.510