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Senate hearing spotlights private detention conditions; bill would let state fine operators who block health inspections
Summary
Supporters told the Senate Human Services Committee that private detention facilities have allowed dangerous conditions and limited Department of Health access; SB 6,286 would authorize unannounced inspections and create a graduated fine structure that funds an accountability and community repair account.
A bill that would give Washington’s Department of Health stronger inspection and penalty powers for private detention facilities drew emotional testimony at a Senate Human Services Committee hearing on Jan. 28.
Senate Bill 6,286 (sponsored by Sen. Tina Orwell) would authorize routine and unannounced Department of Health inspections of private detention facilities that operate under contract with government, and create a graduated civil fine for facilities that deny entry: $1,000 per day for the first 30 days, $10,000 per day for the next 30 days, and $15,000 per day after 60 days. Fines would be deposited into a Federal Enforcement Accountability and Community Repair account to assist wrongfully…
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