WA People
BILL · 2025–26 SESSION · LATEST VERSION SSB 5231

SB 5231: Confinement fees & expenses

Concerning reducing fees and expenses for services for people confined in state correctional facilities.

Summary

  • Requires the Department of Corrections (DOC) to provide free voice communication services in its facilities.
  • Prohibits DOC from receiving any revenue from providing voice communication services, using voice communication services to replace in-person visitation; or reducing current access to voice communication services.
  • Makes changes to data that must be shared publicly related to contracts for telecommunication services and electronic media services.

From the Senate Bill Report (SB 5231), written by the Legislature's nonpartisan staff. Read the full report ↗

Did not pass Did not pass · died in committee
  1. IntroducedJan 14, 2025
  2. Out of committeestopped here
  3. Passed Senate
  4. Passed House
  5. Governor
  6. Law
Prime sponsor
Drew Hansen (D-23)
Introduced
January 14, 2025 in the Senate
Last action
January 12, 2026
Companion bill
HB 1301
Budget
Has a fiscal note
Versions
SB 5231, SSB 5231

AN ACT Relating to reducing fees and expenses for services for people confined in state correctional facilities;

Sponsors

Prime sponsor: Drew Hansen (D-23)

6 co-sponsors (6 Democrats, 0 Republicans)

Noel Frame D-36Bob Hasegawa D-11T'wina Nobles D-28Jamie Pedersen D-43Javier Valdez D-46Claire Wilson D-30

Votes

No recorded floor votes. This measure never reached a floor vote.

History

  1. By resolution, reintroduced and retained in present status. (SSB 5231)
  2. By resolution, reintroduced and retained in present status.
  3. Referred to Ways & Means. (SSB 5231)
  4. Referred to Ways & Means.
  5. HS - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. (SSB 5231)
  6. And refer to Ways & Means. (SSB 5231)
  7. Minority; without recommendation. (SSB 5231)
  8. Minority; without recommendation.
  9. And refer to Ways & Means.
  10. HS - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.
  11. First reading, referred to Human Services.

SB 5231 in other sessions

Bill numbers restart every two years, so the same number is a different bill in each session.

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