WA SB5490

Local jail administrators must develop policies for searching transgender and intersex individuals that comply with the federal Prison Rape Elimination Act (34 U.S.C. Sec. 30301) as it existed on January 1, 2025

Searches or physical examinations cannot be conducted solely to determine an individual's genital status; if unknown, genital status may only be determined through conversation, medical records, or a private medical examination

Strip searches of transgender or intersex individuals must offer options including: search by a medical professional, search by female staff only, allowing the individual to choose the gender of the person conducting the search, or search conducted according to stated gender identity

Jails must enable confined individuals to shower, use the bathroom, and change clothing without opposite-gender nonmedical staff viewing their bodies, except in exigent circumstances or during routine cell checks

Local jails must adopt and implement compliant standards by September 1, 2025