Establishing programs for the moral guidance of incarcerated persons.
Summary
Requires the Department of Corrections (DOC) to establish an oversight committee to develop a comprehensive interagency plan to provide voluntary, nondenominational moral and character-building residential services and supports for offenders who are incarcerated in prison.
Requires that institutional chaplains be appointed as employees of the DOC and authorizes the Secretary of the DOC to further contract with chaplains as necessary to meet the religious needs of inmates whose religious denominations are not represented by the appointed institutional chaplains and where volunteer chaplains are not available.
Prohibits any requirement that chaplains must carry personal liability insurance as a condition of providing services as a result of an appointment, contract, or on a volunteer basis.
Allows chaplains, whether voluntary, employed, or contracted by the DOC, to request that the Attorney General authorize the defense of any action or proceeding for damages arising out the course of the chaplain's duties.
From the Substitute House Bill Report (SSB 6400), written by the Legislature's nonpartisan staff. Read the full report ↗