This bill amends existing laws regarding escorted leaves of absence for incarcerated individuals in Washington State. It allows the superintendent of state correctional facilities to grant such leaves for various reasons, including attending the funeral or visiting the bedside of a seriously ill family member, participating in athletic contests, receiving necessary medical or dental care, engaging in community service projects, and participating in reentry programs to prepare for successful reintegration into society. The definition of "immediate family" has been expanded to include a broader range of relatives, such as stepchildren, grandparents, and a person legally married to or in a registered domestic partnership with the incarcerated individual.

Additionally, the bill establishes that the secretary will create rules and regulations governing the conditions for granting leaves of absence, ensuring safeguards against escapes, and requiring reimbursement for the costs incurred during these leaves. It specifies that no state funds will be used for these leaves unless the incarcerated individual and their immediate family are indigent and unable to cover the expenses. The language throughout the bill has been updated to replace "inmates" with "incarcerated individuals" to reflect a more modern and respectful terminology.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 72.01.370, 72.01.380