WA HB1396

Establishes an 11-member Ombuds Advisory Council by December 1, 2025, appointed by the governor, to provide advice and set priorities for the Office of Corrections Ombuds

Council membership must include 3 currently incarcerated individuals (men's division, women's division, and someone serving life), 2 formerly incarcerated persons, 2 family members, and 4 community members with expertise in diversity, disabilities, gender responsiveness, and healthcare

Council members serve 2-year staggered terms with a maximum of two consecutive terms, must meet at least quarterly, and are subject to the Open Public Meetings Act

Currently incarcerated and other eligible council members receive stipends for participation per RCW 43.03.220

Requires the ombuds to solicit feedback directly from incarcerated individuals about office performance and share aggregated feedback with the council, while the council may also gather feedback independently from incarcerated people