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

 S-1655.1

SUBSTITUTE SENATE BILL 5278

State of Washington

69th Legislature

2025 Regular Session

By Senate Human Services (originally sponsored by Senators Braun, Christian, Dozier, and J. Wilson)

READ FIRST TIME 02/19/25.

AN ACT Relating to management of individuals who are placed in juvenile rehabilitation institutions; amending RCW 13.40.020 , 13.40.460 , 72.65.200 , 72.05.420 , 13.40.215 , 72.01.410 , and 13.40.280 ; adding a new section to chapter 13.40 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 72.01 RCW; and creating new sections.

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

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. The legislature finds that the youth of Washington state are among its most valuable resources and that the principles enumerated in RCW 13.40.010 are reaffirmed. Overcrowding is preventing institutions from carrying out the rehabilitation of youthful offenders.

Furthermore, the legislature recognizes the need for the department to safely manage the populations of its institutions and protect both youth in its care and state employees.