OLYMPIA, Wash. — A Washington state lawmaker has crafted legislation with the hope of improving conditions and accountability in local jails across the state.
Ahead of the state’s 2025 legislative session, Sen. Rebecca Saldaña (D-Seattle) introduced a bill that proposes creating an independent jail oversight body within the Washington State Governor’s Office.
Under her bill, Senate Bill 5005, the seven-person board would meet quarterly and administer a statewide uniform jail reporting system. It would create and monitor compliance with statewide jail standards, as well as investigate and report on systemic problems affecting inmates…