WA HB1147

Establishes a legal right to civic engagement for individuals in adult and juvenile prisons, residential habilitation centers, and state treatment facilities, including the right to form political advocacy organizations, communicate with elected officials, and participate in teleconference meetings with legislative bodies

Creates a civic engagement coordinator position within the Office of Equity to facilitate communication between incarcerated/institutionalized individuals and agencies, review petitions alleging rights violations, and provide voter education programming

Protects individuals from punishment or retaliation for participating in civic processes, and requires that civic engagement rights cannot be substantially burdened unless justified by a compelling state interest achieved through the least restrictive means

Requires agencies to report petition resolutions within 30 days and mandates annual public reports beginning October 31, 2027, analyzing civic engagement requests, petitions, and completed activities in prisons and institutions

Takes effect January 1, 2026, and applies only to state agencies and facilities, not local agencies or locally operated institutions