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WashingtonSB 50292025-2026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Concerning the transportation of individuals released or discharged from the custody of the department of corrections.

Sponsored By: Claire Wilson (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

More release help for people leaving prison

Release help now covers people serving court-ordered Washington state prison sentences, not just felony sentences. Covered releases include parole, sentence completion, court-ordered discharge, and transfers to community supervision or partial confinement, including home detention and work release. Eligible people keep their prison earnings and receive suitable clothing and at least $40 for basic living needs. A community corrections officer can approve up to $60 more for necessary personal and living costs. These supports are provided when the person leaves total confinement. Basic living funds are available only once per person and are protected from the specified prison-fund deductions. People with enough money besides prison earnings can be required to pay for clothing.

Temporary rent help after prison release

The Department of Corrections can provide rental vouchers for up to six months per release to prevent homelessness or unstable housing. This authority is separate from its existing rental-voucher authority, but total voucher help cannot exceed six months per release. The department must prioritize people likely to leave prison homeless or become homeless without help. It must also consider their risk of committing another crime.

Prison release travel expands with limits

The law removes the former $100 cap and cheapest-method rule for public transportation after covered releases or transfers. The department provides travel to the person's home or reentry-plan location, or the original commitment location when a sentence ends. People with enough money can be required to pay; prison earnings do not count toward that test. For unconditional releases or discharges, department-provided public transportation generally stays within Washington. Exceptions cover interstate supervision, out-of-state warrants or holds, extradition demands, and qualifying agreements with another state or the federal government. The superintendent can approve suitable alternative travel arrangements and approve or deny individual expenses to protect state funds. By December 1, 2026, and annually afterward, the department must report how many trips cost over $100, their travel methods, and nonprofit release coordination.

Prison releases align with nonprofit help

When a nonprofit partner has arranged reentry support, the Department of Corrections must reasonably try to coordinate the person's release time. This coordination includes transportation to the person's home or place of discharge. It helps align release arrangements with the nonprofit's planned support.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Claire Wilson

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Bob Hasegawa

    Democratic • Senate

  • Lisa Wellman

    Democratic • Senate

  • Noel Frame

    Democratic • Senate

  • Rebecca Saldaña

    Democratic • Senate

  • T'wina Nobles

    Democratic • Senate

  • Yasmin Trudeau

    Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 181 • No: 12

Senate vote • 4/17/2025

Final Passage as Amended by the House

Yes: 46 • No: 2 • Other: 1

House vote • 4/9/2025

Final Passage as Amended by the House

Yes: 91 • No: 6 • Other: 1

Senate vote • 2/26/2025

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 44 • No: 4 • Other: 1

Actions Timeline

  1. Effective date 7/27/2025.

    5/12/2025Senate

  2. Chapter 223, 2025 Laws.

    5/12/2025Senate

  3. Governor signed.

    5/12/2025legislature

  4. Delivered to Governor.

    4/23/2025legislature

  5. Speaker signed.

    4/22/2025legislature

  6. President signed.

    4/19/2025legislature

  7. Passed final passage; yeas, 46; nays, 2; absent, 0; excused, 1.

    4/17/2025Senate

  8. Senate concurred in House amendments.

    4/17/2025House

  9. Third reading, passed; yeas, 91; nays, 6; absent, 0; excused, 1.

    4/9/2025Senate

  10. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    4/9/2025Senate

  11. Floor amendment(s) adopted.

    4/9/2025Senate

  12. Rules Committee relieved of further consideration. Placed on second reading.

    3/25/2025Senate

  13. Referred to Rules 2 Review.

    3/21/2025Senate

  14. CS - Executive action taken by committee.

    3/20/2025Senate

  15. CS - Majority; do pass.

    3/20/2025Senate

  16. First reading, referred to Community Safety.

    2/28/2025Senate

  17. Third reading, passed; yeas, 44; nays, 4; absent, 0; excused, 1.

    2/26/2025Senate

  18. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    2/26/2025Senate

  19. Floor amendment(s) adopted.

    2/26/2025Senate

  20. 1st substitute bill substituted.

    2/26/2025Senate

  21. Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.

    2/19/2025Senate

  22. Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.

    1/23/2025Senate

  23. HS - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.

    1/22/2025Senate

  24. Minority; without recommendation.

    1/22/2025Senate

  25. First reading, referred to Human Services.

    1/13/2025Senate

Bill Text

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