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WashingtonHB 12322025-2026 Regular SessionHouse

Concerning private detention facilities.

Sponsored By: Lillian Ortiz-Self (Democratic)

Became Law

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.

Fines and fixes for unsafe detention facilities

Beginning May 12, 2025, the health department can order facilities to correct problems, require training, or hire an approved consultant when issues repeat or are not fixed. For repeat or uncorrected violations, the agency can fine up to $10,000 per violation, capped at $1,000,000 total. Fine money can only pay for training or technical help for facilities. Facilities can appeal under state law.

Regular inspections and public results for detention

Beginning May 12, 2025, the health department conducts routine, unannounced inspections of private detention facilities. It reviews food and nutrition plans and tests drinking and bathing water and air every six months, inside and outside each facility. Results are posted on the agency’s website and where detained people and visitors can see them, in English and other languages when possible. Local health departments may handle food safety checks. Labor & Industries also performs unannounced workplace inspections for work done by detained people, and the Attorney General can enforce violations. Online posting depends on available resources.

Stronger health and living standards in private detention

Beginning May 12, 2025, the health department sets measurable standards for private detention facilities under government contract. Facilities must keep spaces clean, provide free basic hygiene items, and serve at least three free meals a day with fresh fruits and vegetables. Indoor temperatures must stay between 65°F and 78°F, hot water at sinks must not exceed 120°F, and people with disabilities must have needed access and equipment. Facilities must run an infection control program. Contract facilities also must follow state food codes, have a 24‑hour food services manager, use dietitian guidance, limit the gap between dinner and breakfast to 15 hours or provide a snack, offer therapeutic diets, keep approved menus, have dietary staff present during meals, provide confidential phones on each floor, set private visiting areas, train staff, run monthly drills, and maintain a facility‑wide infection control program.

Law takes effect only if funded

The law applies only if specific funding is included in the state budget by June 30, 2025. If that funding is not provided by that date, the entire law is null and void.

Who these detention rules cover

Beginning May 12, 2025, the law defines key terms like private detention facility, detained person, dietitian, neglect, and basic hygiene items. These definitions decide which facilities and people must follow the new health, safety, and service rules. Some facilities are exempt from these rules: juvenile treatment centers; forensic or psychiatric evaluation or treatment facilities; quarantine or isolation sites; work-release centers; extraordinary medical placements; residential substance use disorder treatment; and facilities owned and run by federally recognized tribes. A private facility with a government contract in effect before January 1, 2023 is also exempt for the life of that contract (not including extensions).

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Lillian Ortiz-Self

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Alex Ramel

    Democratic • House

  • Darya Farivar

    Democratic • House

  • Jake Fey

    Democratic • House

  • Julia Reed

    Democratic • House

  • Lisa Callan

    Democratic • House

  • Mari Leavitt

    Democratic • House

  • Mary Fosse

    Democratic • House

  • Mia Gregerson

    Democratic • House

  • Natasha Hill

    Democratic • House

  • Nicole Macri

    Democratic • House

  • Sharlett Mena

    Democratic • House

  • Sharon Wylie

    Democratic • House

  • Strom Peterson

    Democratic • House

  • Tarra Simmons

    Democratic • House

  • Timm Ormsby

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 115 • No: 76

Senate vote • 4/23/2025

Final Passage without Senate Amendments

Yes: 29 • No: 19

Senate vote • 4/14/2025

3rd Reading & Final Passage as Amended by the Senate

Yes: 30 • No: 19

House vote • 3/7/2025

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 56 • No: 38 • Other: 4

Actions Timeline

  1. Effective date 5/12/2025.

    5/12/2025House

  2. Chapter 235, 2025 Laws.

    5/12/2025House

  3. Governor signed.

    5/12/2025legislature

  4. Delivered to Governor.

    4/25/2025legislature

  5. President signed.

    4/24/2025legislature

  6. Speaker signed.

    4/23/2025legislature

  7. Passed final passage; yeas, 29; nays, 19; absent, 0; excused, 0.

    4/23/2025House

  8. Senate receded from amendments.

    4/23/2025Senate

  9. House refuses to concur in Senate amendments. Asks Senate to recede from amendments.

    4/21/2025House

  10. Third reading, passed; yeas, 30; nays, 19; absent, 0; excused, 0.

    4/14/2025House

  11. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    4/14/2025House

  12. Floor amendment(s) adopted.

    4/14/2025House

  13. Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.

    4/9/2025House

  14. Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.

    4/8/2025House

  15. Minority; do not pass.

    4/7/2025House

  16. WM - Majority; do pass.

    4/7/2025House

  17. Referred to Ways & Means.

    4/1/2025House

  18. And refer to Ways & Means.

    3/31/2025House

  19. Minority; do not pass.

    3/31/2025House

  20. HS - Majority; do pass.

    3/31/2025House

  21. First reading, referred to Human Services.

    3/11/2025House

  22. Third reading, passed; yeas, 56; nays, 38; absent, 0; excused, 4.

    3/7/2025House

  23. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    3/7/2025House

  24. Floor amendment(s) adopted.

    3/7/2025House

  25. 2nd substitute bill substituted.

    3/7/2025House

Bill Text

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