wa-law.org > bill > 2025-26 > SB 5139 > Original Bill

SB 5139 - Reentry council members

Source

Section 1

  1. The council comprises 20 members appointed by the governor.

  2. The governor must create a membership that includes:

    1. [Empty]

      1. Representatives of: The department of corrections; the health care authority; the department of social and health services; the employment security department; the juvenile rehabilitation administration; a statewide organization representing community and technical colleges; a statewide organization representing law enforcement interests; a statewide organization representing the interests of crime victims; a statewide organization representing prosecutors; a statewide organization representing public defenders; a statewide or local organization representing businesses and employers; housing providers; and faith-based organizations or communities;

      2. At least two persons with experience reentering the community after incarceration;

      3. Two other community leaders; and

      4. Two community members who are currently incarcerated.

    2. At least one position of the council must be reserved for an invited person with a background in tribal affairs, and such position has all of the same voting and other powers of other members.

  3. When making appointments, the governor shall consider:

    1. The racial and ethnic background of applicants in order for the membership to reflect the diversity of racial and ethnic backgrounds of all those who are incarcerated in the state;

    2. The gender of applicants in order for the membership to reflect the gender diversity of all those who are incarcerated in the state;

    3. The geographic location of all applicants in order for the membership to represent the different geographic regions of the state; and

    4. The experiences and background of all applicants relating to the incarcerated population.

Section 2

The members of the council may receive compensation as provided in RCW 43.03.220 and 43.03.270, and are entitled to be reimbursed for travel expenses as provided in RCW 43.03.050 and 43.03.060.

Section 3

  1. Meetings of the council must be held in accordance with the open public meetings act, chapter 42.30 RCW, and at the call of the cochairs or when a majority of the council membership so requests. Members may participate in a meeting of the council by means of a conference telephone or similar communication equipment as described in RCW 23B.08.200.

  2. Eleven members of the council constitute a quorum.

  3. Once operational, the council must convene on a regular schedule at least four times during each year.

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