Bill would let Department of Corrections partner with nonprofits for midwifery, expand parenting program eligibility

Senate Bill 5182 would authorize the Department of Corrections (DOC) to contract with nonprofit organizations or partner with volunteers to provide midwifery and doula services for people who are pregnant or have recently given birth while in DOC custody, and would expand eligibility for the Community Parenting Alternative (CPA).

Committee staff Kelsey Ann Fung explained the bill removes language that explicitly said DOC was not required to establish or fund midwifery or doula services and instead allows DOC to contract for those services. The bill also modifies CPA eligibility by adding people “expected to take over the day-to-day care and duties of a parent” and removing a requirement that a relationship with a minor child exist at the time of the offense.

Sponsor Sen. Tawana Nobles said the bill updates gendered language and creates practical pathways for parents who are incarcerated to transition to home detention while maintaining family relationships. “This bill offers practical solutions to address these challenges by improving access to resources and updating outdated policies,” Nobles said.

Cindy Arens Elsberry of the Washington Defender Association and the Washington Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys testified in support, noting the bill would expand partial confinement eligibility and better serve children and families. DOC Assistant Secretary Danielle Armbruster said the department supports increased access to health care, called the change an opportunity to recognize parenting roles beyond biological relationships and said the bill could help dismantle intergenerational incarceration.

Committee members asked whether Medicaid covers doula services and about suspension of Medicaid coverage during incarceration; staff said they would follow up with information. A fiscal note had been requested and not yet posted, and no vote was taken at the hearing.