Private Detention Facilities Rule Making
Agency
Health, Department of
Title of action
Private Detention Facilities Rule Making
Date significant agency action was initiated
Thursday, November 16, 2023
Category
Significant legislative rules
Brief description of significant agency actions for which the agency is initiating an environmental justice assessment.
The Department of Health (DOH) is conducting an environmental justice assessment for rulemaking related to Chapter 70.395 RCW, which allows DOH to investigate complaints and perform health and safety inspections in private detention facilities. This is to ensure facilities meet safety and hygiene standards and provide safe conditions for people being detained.
Methods for providing public comment for agency consideration as part of the environmental justice assessment.
The Office of the Assistant Secretary (OAS) has participated in listening sessions with several advocacy groups and shared information regarding private detention facility rulemaking activities. OAS has created a program webpage (https://doh.wa.gov/about-us/executive-offices/prevention-safety-and-health/environmental-public-health/eph-rulemaking/eph-active-rulemaking/private-detention-facilities) where the public can learn about rulemaking steps including upcoming listening sessions, anticipated time frames when the public can participate in multiple workgroup sessions to draft rule language, and timeframes for the informal proposed rule public comment period. Interested parties can e-mail comments directly to: privatedetentionfacilites@doh.wa.gov.
Link to agency webpage where the action is posted.
