A bill designed to reshape how Washington’s prison system handles the release of incarcerated individuals passed the state Senate on Thursday, though critics argue it risks releasing criminals too soon.

Senate Bill 5219, which is supported by Governor Ferguson, seeks to overhaul partial confinement programs and release options, sparking heated debate over whether it strikes the right balance between rehabilitation and public safety.

It passed along party lines, with a 29-19 vote and one senator excused.

The bill’s sponsor, Senator Claire Wilson (D-Federal Way), presented it as a necessary reform. She pointed out that aligning programs, such as work release and graduated re-entry, will help those incarcerated make a smoother transition back into society.

According to Wilson, research shows that participation in reentry programs significantly reduces the likelihood of reoffending. “We cannot put people back in the community without some kind of a transition program,” Wilson said, referencing data that demonstrates an eight-point drop in recidivism rates for those involved in these programs.

A major change introduced by the bill is extending the eligibility for partial confinement programs to the final 18 months of a sentence, up from just 12 months.

This change would impact inmates who are nearing the end of their term and provide them more time to participate in reentry programs. Wilson stressed that the bill also aims to enhance public safety. “We need to give people a way to transition back into society,” she said. “We can’t just throw people out without help.”

Rehabilitation and public safety

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But not everyone in the Senate was on board. Republican lawmakers pushed back, arguing that releasing individuals—especially those with violent criminal backgrounds—early could put the public at risk.

Senator Phil Fortunato (R-Auburn) introduced an amendment that would make anyone convicted of a sexual offense ineligible for work release, citing safety concerns, particularly when children are involved. “We have to think about the best interest of the child,” Fortunato argued. “People who have a history of sex crimes should not be eligible for these programs.”

Senator Wilson disagreed, pointing out that the bill already includes safeguards. “Work release is a proven program. Current DOC policies prohibit work release for those who pose a public safety risk, including individuals with sexual offenses,” she said. Fortunato’s amendment didn’t pass.

Senator Keith Wagoner (R-Sedro Woolley) also tried to amend the bill by excluding people convicted of violent crimes, saying that some offenders should not be included in the new policy.

“We can all agree that people who’ve committed violent offenses shouldn’t be in these programs,” Wagoner said, but his attempt to tighten the bill’s scope was also shot down.

Another major point of contention was the eligibility requirements for the Community Parenting Alternative program, which allows incarcerated parents to care for their children during their sentence.

Senator Leonard Christian (R-Spokane Valley) introduced an amendment that would require a “pre-existing relationship” between the parent and child before they could participate, arguing that this would ensure that only those with a real connection to the child would be allowed to take part.

“If we’re going to let someone out early to care for their child, they should have already had a relationship with that child before going to prison,” Christian said.

Senator Wilson again opposed this amendment, arguing that the current vetting process already ensures that only eligible parents are selected for the program. “We have a comprehensive screening process in place that includes interviews and investigations to verify the relationship,” Wilson explained.

After several amendments failed, Senator Wilson’s bill passed with a 29-19 vote. The bill now heads to the House for further debate.

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Matt Markovich often covers the state legislature and public politics for KIRO Newsradio. Follow him on X.

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