It is the intent of the legislature to ensure the safety and welfare of people in Washington state by ending the operation of private detention facilities. The legislature finds that there are numerous documented abuses of people held in private detention facilities in Washington state and elsewhere. The legislature further finds that incarcerating persons in private detention facilities leads to cutting operational costs, which is dangerous and detrimental to Washingtonians. Therefore, it is the purpose of this act to eliminate the use of private detention operations in this state.
This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately.
