Washington State
House of Representatives
Office of Program Research		 BILL
ANALYSIS
Local Government Committee

HB 1455

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Brief Description: Prohibiting contracts between public hospital districts and prisons or correctional industry programs.

Sponsors: Representatives Haler, Moeller, Pettigrew and Hankins.

Brief Summary of Bill
  • Prohibits public hospital districts, including entities owned by public hospital districts, from contracting with any prison or correctional industry program.

Hearing Date: 2/1/07

Staff: Ethan Moreno (786-7386).

Background:

Public hospital districts are authorized to own and operate hospitals and other health care facilities and to provide hospital and other services to district residents and other persons. Public hospital districts have specific powers and duties authorized by statute, including powers to:

The Department of Corrections operates five classes of correctional industries inmate work programs. These work programs are governed by a correctional industries board of directors that develops and selects the programs. The operations and management of each classification differs according to statutory requirements, but some programs offer products and services that may be sold to public agencies and nonprofit organizations.

Summary of Bill:

Public hospital districts, including entities owned by public hospital districts, are prohibited from contracting with any prison or correctional industry program.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.