wa-law.org > bill > 2025-26 > SB 5131 > Substitute Bill
The legislature recognizes the constitutionally protected rights of incarcerated persons to believe, express, and exercise the religion of their choice. The legislature further recognizes the positive benefit of religious practice in the form of positive behavior in institutions and in the community. The legislature intends to affirm and support religious practices for faith and cultural groups by providing opportunities to celebrate practices and events. The legislature therefore resolves to codify the opportunity for religious celebrations in state correctional facilities.
The department shall make reasonable efforts to accommodate religious celebrations in state correctional facilities.
Reasonable efforts under this section include but are not limited to coordination and arrangements with a partnering nonprofit organization in the provision and delivery of a religious celebration meal, including meal enhancements and donated foods. The department may establish reasonable guidelines and deadlines for sponsorship and contribution of meal enhancements and donated foods, but no deadline may exceed 45 days in advance of a religious celebration, barring any supply chain issues.
Provision of a religious celebration meal must be made at no cost to the incarcerated person, excluding the religious celebration meal enhancement.