Concerning emergency measures for managing juvenile populations at state juvenile correctional institutions.

 S-0571.1

SENATE BILL 5260

State of Washington

69th Legislature

2025 Regular Session

By Senators Christian and Braun

Read first time 01/14/25. Referred to Committee on Human Services.

AN ACT Relating to emergency measures for managing juvenile populations at state juvenile correctional institutions; adding a new section to chapter 13.40 RCW; creating new sections; and declaring an emergency.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. The legislature finds that juvenile rehabilitation under the department of children, youth, and families is dangerously overcrowded. Overcrowding is contributing to high levels of violence and drug use, and is impeding the ability of youth to be rehabilitated.

The legislature further finds that young adults may be better served by transferring their custody to the department of corrections. Such transfers will allow youth to access job programs and education, and place them closer to their families.