Bill Summary:

• AN ACT Relating to private detention facilities; amending RCW 1 42.56.475, 70.395.010, and 70.395.020; adding new sections to chapter 2 70.395 RCW; creating a new section; prescribing penalties; and 3 declaring an emergency.

What the Bill says:

• It will prevent public disclosure requests at private facilities. It does require state oversight from the appropriate agencies such as the health board. It sets rules with regards to prisoner treatment.

Our Summary Opinion:

• It prevents the public from first hand knowledge of what is going on behind the walls and determining if the state agencies which provide oversight are doing their job. It stops solitary confine completely. Sometimes solitary confinement is the best option for a prisoner who is being either disruptive and threatening or being threatened. Using this valuable tool when absolutely necessary is life saving at times. To demand a complete blockage of this protective treatment is dangerous. We recommend a Vote No for the bill.