S-3909.3

SENATE BILL 6273

BySenators Boehnke, Dozier, Gildon, and C. Wilson

AN ACT Relating to conducting an audit of the juvenile rehabilitation system; creating a new section; and providing an expiration date.

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

(a) Review the department of children, youth, and families juvenile rehabilitation's existing processes and staffing methodology used for determining adequate staffing ratios to meet the confinement and rehabilitative needs of the juveniles and ensure public safety;

(b) Review existing security and safety measures adopted by the department and their effectiveness in meeting the unique needs of the juvenile population in the custody of the department;

(c) Review best practices from other states regarding security measures and staffing ratios, and identify options that may be feasible to adopt in Washington state to increase the security of the department's institutions and facilities and public safety; and

(d) Review the department's existing processes for responding to critical incidents, including communication and cooperation with local law enforcement, and identify areas for improvement.

(2) The joint legislative audit and review committee shall report its findings and recommendations to the governor and the appropriate committees of the legislature by June 30, 2026.

(3) This section expires December 31, 2026.

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