2539-S AMS WICL S5645.1

SHB 2539 - S AMD TO HS COMM AMD (S-5588.1/26) 813

By Senator C. Wilson

On page 2, line 26, after "has" strike "no"

On page 2, line 28, after "request." insert "The dollar amount for this definition shall be adjusted pursuant to section 2 of this act."

On page 4, after line 36, insert the following:

"NEW SECTION. Sec. 2. A new section is added to chapter 72.09 RCW to read as follows:

(1) Beginning July 1, 2029, and July 1st of every four years thereafter, the department shall increase the $100 "indigent inmate," "indigent," and "indigency" definition in RCW 72.09.015(15) by adjusting the amount using the most current seasonally adjusted index of the consumer price index for all urban consumers as published by the bureau of labor statistics of the United States department of labor. If an adjustment using the consumer price index would reduce the indigency amount from a prior amount, then the department shall not adjust the amount.

(2) Beginning July 1, 2027, the department shall publish the indigent rate on their public website and at each correctional facility in an area accessible to an incarcerated inmate, within five business days of July 1st of each year."

On page 5, line 2, after "insert" strike all material through "72.09.015."" and insert ""amending RCW 72.09.015; and adding a new section to chapter 72.09 RCW.""

EFFECT: • Removes language from bill that made indigency no less than $100.

• Provides an adjustment to the indigency definition every four years based on the most current seasonally adjusted index of the consumer price index for all urban consumers as published by the United States Department of Labor, beginning July 1, 2029.

• Requires the DOC to publish the indigent rate on their website and at each correctional facility every year, beginning July 1, 2027.