wa-law.org > bill > 2025-26 > SB 5342 > Original Bill
Any currently elected member of the legislature may request to access the premises of any facility or institution owned and operated by the state by the department of corrections, department of children, youth, and families, or department of social and health services. Such access shall be afforded by the department upon request of the member within 48 hours of receipt of the member's written request to access the state facility, which shall not be limited to business days. Access includes, but is not limited to, a tour of the state facility or to meet with a constituent under their custody.
If the member requests to access a state facility at a date beyond 48 hours from the date of the request, the department shall provide a response within 48 hours of receipt of the member's request.
If an agency listed under this section fails to comply with the timing requirements under subsection (1) of this section, it shall respond to the member of the legislature with the reason for the delay and a plan to facilitate the access request.
Requests made under this section shall be submitted in writing to the legislative affairs office for the department, or an office designated by the secretary of the department to receive such requests.
The requirements of this section do not apply to facilities owned and operated by local governments or facilities operated under contract with the state.