SB 5029 Washington Senate · 2025-2026 Regular Session

Concerning the transportation of individuals released or discharged from the custody of the department of corrections.

SB 5029 updates the support provided to individuals being released or transferred from Washington state correctional facilities. The bill removes the previous $100 cap and "least expensive" method requirement for transportation, allowing the Department of Corrections (DOC) to arrange travel to a person's residence or reentry plan location, generally within the state. It clarifies that individuals transferred to community custody or partial confinement programs are also eligible for initial subsistence funds (at least $40) and suitable clothing. Additionally, the bill authorizes the DOC to provide temporary rental vouchers for up to six months to prevent homelessness for those being released. The DOC is also required to submit annual reports on transportation costs exceeding $100.
Bill status signed all 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Dec 2024
Committee Review
Mar 2025
Senate Passage
Apr 2025
House Passage
Apr 2025
Signed into Law
May 2025
Introduced Dec 10, 2024 Signed May 12, 2025
Maddy AI version diff · 3 comparisons

What changed between versions

Engrossed Substitute Bill Substitute Passed Legislature · 3 edits
MINOR
The bill added a formal certification of enrollment page to the text, confirming it passed both legislative chambers. Substantively, it introduced a new requirement for the Department of Corrections to submit annual reports by December 1st regarding high-cost transportation expenses over $100 and the methods used for those transports.
Scope change
The bill's scope expanded to include a new reporting mechanism for the Department of Corrections, while existing provisions on housing vouchers and subsistence funds remain unchanged.
REQUIREMENT

Mandates an annual report to the governor and legislature detailing the number of individuals receiving transportation costs exceeding $100 and the specific methods of transport used.

TIMELINE

Establishes a recurring deadline of December 1st, starting in 2026, for submitting the required transportation reports.

TECHNICAL

Inserted a formal certification of enrollment page at the beginning of the document to verify passage by the Senate and House.

Floor votes · Senate Feb 26, 2025 · House Apr 9, 2025

How they voted

464
Passed · 1 other
Total votes 51
Feb 26, 2025
D Democratic31
31 Yea
100% Yea
R Republican20
15 Yea 4 Nay 1
75% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea All Nay Mixed No data
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
29
Key actions
13
Committee
7
May 12, 2025
Signed into law
Governor signed.
executive
Apr 22, 2025
Lower · Passed
Speaker signed.
lower
Apr 19, 2025
Upper · Passed
President signed.
upper
Apr 17, 2025
Upper · Passed
Passed final passage; yeas, 46; nays, 2; absent, 0; excused, 1.
upper
Apr 17, 2025
Upper · Passed
Senate concurred in House amendments.
upper
Apr 9, 2025
Lower · Passed
Floor amendment(s) adopted.
lower
Mar 21, 2025
Committee
Referred to Rules 2 Review.
lower
Mar 20, 2025
Lower · Passed
CS - Majority; do pass.
lower
Mar 20, 2025
Lower · Passed
Executive action taken in the House Committee on Community Safety at 8:00 AM.
lower
Mar 13, 2025
Lower · Passed
Public hearing in the House Committee on Community Safety at 10:30 AM.
lower
Feb 26, 2025
Upper · Passed
Floor amendment(s) adopted.
upper
Jan 22, 2025
Upper · Passed
Minority; without recommendation.
upper
Jan 22, 2025
Upper · Passed
Executive action taken in the Senate Committee on Human Services at 8:00 AM.
upper
Jan 14, 2025
Upper · Passed
Public hearing in the Senate Committee on Human Services at 1:30 PM.
upper
1 primary · 6 co-sponsors

Sponsors