Establishing radiation dose standards for the operation of ionizing radiation screening systems regulated by the department of health.
This bill requires Washington's Department of Health to allow body scanners in correctional facilities to operate at higher radiation levels than previously permitted, specifically setting minimums of 2 microsieverts (µSv) per scan and 0.25 millisieverts (mSv) annually. It reverses a 2024 rule that reduced scanner power to 1/8th of prior capability, causing unclear images and contributing to safety incidents including near-overdose deaths. The law mandates the health department cannot impose lower radiation limits for these scanners, ensuring they can effectively detect contraband like narcotics while staying below standard safety thresholds. It directly affects all correctional facilities, jails, and detention centers using ionizing radiation screening systems.
Bill status
in committee
1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 2, 2026
Last action Jan 12, 2026
Floor votes
How they voted
No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
2
Key actions
0
Committee
0
1 primary · 3 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Travis Couture
RRepublican
Co
Andrew Engell
RRepublican
Co
Joe Schmick
RRepublican
Co
Stephanie Barnard
RRepublican
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