BILL REQ. #:  Z-0129.2 

Read first time 01/10/11.   Referred to Committee on Human Services & Corrections.

     AN ACT Relating to restrictions on legal claims initiated by persons serving criminal sentences in correctional facilities; and adding a new section to chapter 4.24 RCW.

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

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   A new section is added to chapter 4.24 RCW to read as follows:
     If a person serving a criminal sentence in a federal, state, local, or privately operated correctional facility seeks leave to proceed in any legal action in any state court at public expense, the court shall deny the request and dismiss any action, appeal, or special proceeding, commenced by the person if that person has, on three or more prior occasions, while he or she was incarcerated, imprisoned, confined, or detained in a federal, state, local, or privately operated correctional facility, brought an appeal, legal action, or special proceeding that was dismissed by a state or federal court on the grounds that it was frivolous, malicious, or failed to state a claim upon which relief may be granted. The court may permit the person to commence the action or special proceeding, notwithstanding this section, if the court determines the person is in imminent danger of serious physical injury.