The bill aims to enhance transparency and accountability in the management of the institutional welfare account, which supports the well-being of incarcerated individuals in Washington. It establishes a collaborative process between the Department of Corrections and incarcerated individuals, emphasizing the importance of incorporating their lived experiences and needs into decision-making regarding expenditures. The bill mandates the creation of a feedback mechanism that allows incarcerated individuals and their families to provide input on the availability and quality of services, goods, and programs at correctional facilities.

Key amendments to RCW 72.09.092 include the expansion of the institutional welfare account to encompass additional funding sources such as legislative appropriations, donations, and grants. The Department of Corrections is required to develop a process for approving expenditures that reflects the real-time needs of incarcerated individuals and their families. Furthermore, the bill mandates annual reporting on expenditures from the institutional welfare account, detailing the feedback collected and the prioritization of spending based on the needs identified by incarcerated individuals and their families.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 72.09.092
Substitute bill: 72.09.092