Washington legislation · 2025-26 Regular Session
Washington HB2539: Inmate funds
Status: Signed into law, March 24, 2026
Concerning inmate funds.
What the bill says
An act Relating to inmate funds; amending RCW 72.09.015; and adding a new section to chapter 72.09 RCW.
From the enrolled text:
AN ACT Relating to inmate funds; amending RCW 72.09.015; and adding a new section to chapter 72.09 RCW. Sec. 1. RCW 72.09.015 and 2022 c 254 s 2 are each amended to read as follows: The definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter. (1) "Adult basic education" means education or instruction designed to achieve general competence of skills in reading, writing, and oral communication, including English as a second language and preparation and testing services for obtaining a high school diploma or a high school equivalency certificate as provided in RCW 28B.50.536. (2) "Base level of correctional services" means the minimum level of field services the department of corrections is required by statute to provide for the supervision and monitoring of offenders. (3) "Civil judgment for assault" means a civil judgment for monetary damages awarded to a correctional officer or department employee entered by a court of competent jurisdiction against an inmate that is based on, or arises from, injury to the correctional officer or department employee caused by the inmate while the correctional officer or department employee was acting in the course and scope of his or her employment. (4) "Community custody" has the same meaning as that provided in RCW 9.94A.030 and also includes community placement and community supervision as defined in RCW 9.94B.020. (5) "Contraband" means …
Sponsors
- Chipalo Street (D) · primary sponsor
- Tarra Simmons (D)
- Sharon Santos (D)
- Leavitt, Mari (D)
Latest actions
- : Effective date 6/11/2026.
- : Chapter 205, 2026 Laws.
- : Governor signed.
- : Delivered to Governor.
- : President signed.
- : Speaker signed.
- : Passed final passage; yeas, 57; nays, 38; absent, 0; excused, 3.
- : House concurred in Senate amendments.
- : Third reading, passed; yeas, 30; nays, 18; absent, 0; excused, 1.
- : Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.
Votes
- Final Passage as Amended by the Senate (March 11, 2026): 57 yea, 38 nay, passed
- 3rd Reading & Final Passage as Amended by the Senate (March 3, 2026): 30 yea, 18 nay, passed
- Senate Committee on Human Services: Do pass as amended (February 24, 2026): 3 yea, 1 nay, passed
- 3rd Reading & Final Passage (February 13, 2026): 57 yea, 36 nay, passed
- House Committee on Community Safety: The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass (February 2, 2026): 6 yea, 0 nay, passed
Subjects: CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES AND JAILS
Common questions
- What is HB2539?
- HB2539 is a bill in the Washington Legislature (2025-26 Regular Session): Inmate funds.
- What does HB2539 do?
- In its own words: An act Relating to inmate funds; amending RCW 72.09.015; and adding a new section to chapter 72.09 RCW.
- What is the status of HB2539?
- Signed into law as of March 24, 2026. Latest action: Effective date 6/11/2026. (March 24, 2026).
- Who sponsored HB2539?
- Chipalo Street (D), with 3 co-sponsors.
- Where is the official record for HB2539?
- On the Washington Legislature website: https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=2539&Year=2025
Source: official Washington record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.