AN ACT Relating to requiring full body scanners at each department of corrections institution; adding a new section to chapter 72.09 RCW; and creating a new section.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. The legislature finds that the department of corrections is responsible for enhancing public safety through the operation of safe and secure facilities, ensuring the health and safety of incarcerated individuals, and maintaining environments that reinforce safe and humane correctional practices. Safer operations are generated through continuous performance of sound correctional policies, practices, and procedures. Contraband as defined in RCW 72.09.015 is a risk to correctional officer and inmate safety. In order to preserve, protect, and maintain public and correctional facility safety, the department of corrections shall attempt to eliminate the introduction of contraband into department of corrections facilities through the installation of state-of-the-art full body scanning devices.

(1) Subject to the availability of amounts appropriated for this specific purpose, the department must purchase and install state-of-the-art full body scanners at each correctional facility by July 1, 2024. This requirement may be waived at the department's discretion in facilities where the department determines a body scanner would not be a cost-effective way to reduce contraband or would not improve correctional officer and inmate safety at the facility.

(2) The department shall provide appropriate custody and nursing staff levels for each body scanner installed at a correctional facility. Staffing must be adequate to provide for subsequent searches and monitoring if a body scan indicates the presence of contraband.

(3) Each scanner must be capable of detecting the presence of narcotics and other contraband contained under clothing and within body cavities. Each body scanner must use, at a minimum, millimeter wave technology, but may also use transmission x-ray technology.

(5) The department shall issue a biennial report on the effectiveness of the body scanners in detecting contraband, including weapons, controlled substances, and unauthorized communication devices. The report must include data on officer and inmate assaults that occurred before and after implementation of each body scanner. By November 1st of each even-numbered year, and in compliance with RCW 43.01.036, the department shall submit the report to the governor and relevant legislative committees.