WA SB5005

Creates the Washington Jail Council within the governor's office to promote jail transparency, support safe conditions for employees and incarcerated individuals, encourage rehabilitative reforms, and reduce litigation exposure

Council comprises 7 governor-appointed members including a jail administrator, medical provider, behavioral health provider, licensed attorney, jail employee, and 2 persons with lived incarceration experience; members serve staggered terms up to 5 years

Council must monitor jails for policy compliance, conduct annual surveys, investigate systemic issues, participate in unexpected fatality reviews, and submit annual reports to the governor and legislature

Grants council director and staff reasonable access to all jail areas, ability to privately interview incarcerated individuals and employees, and authority to access records within 20 business days (5 days for deaths or serious harm)

Provides civil immunity for council employees acting in good faith and prohibits retaliation against jail employees, incarcerated individuals, or family members who provide information to the council