The Washington State Department of Corrections Executive Policy Office houses the unique area of legislative policy.
The Executive Policy Office is responsible for reviewing, monitoring, and tracking legislative proposals that are crafted and considered by the Washington State Legislature. Further responsibilities include liaison work with the elected members of the state legislature and staff, as well as reconciliation of Revised Code of Washington (RCW) with Washington Administrative Code (WAC) and agency policy.
Legislative Session
The Washington State Legislature is a bipartisan, bicameral body, composed of the Washington House of Representatives, with 98 representatives, and the Washington State Senate, with 49 senators plus the Lieutenant Governor acting as President. The state is divided into 49 legislative districts, each of which elect one senator and two representatives.
The Legislature annually begins the legislative session on the second Monday in January. In odd-numbered years, when the state budget is debated upon, the State Legislature meets for 105 days, and in even-numbered years for 60 days. The Governor of Washington, if necessary, can call legislators for a special session (30-day period) at any time in the year. Legislators can also call themselves into special session by a two-thirds vote by both the House of Representatives and the State Senate.
Legislative Presentations & Documents
The following links are to legislative committee meetings at which agency-issued presentations and documents were provided.
- Department of Corrections – Risk Management/Tort Indemnity Payout Analysis (6/4/25)
- Agency Overview – Department of Corrections (1/14/25)
2025 Legislative Priorities
The following link is to a DOC created document that provides an overview of the funding the agency received, funding cuts that have occurred, and a summary of new legislation affecting our work.
Looking Ahead to 2026 and Beyond
As we look ahead to the 2026 legislative session, we anticipate ongoing challenges in the state budget and will focus on advancing initiatives that are necessary to maintaining essential department services. While opportunities for new investments will likely be limited, we remain steadfast in our commitment to advocating for policies that positively impact our staff and the population we serve.
Resources
Policies
Laws & Regulations
Resource Links
- Bill Status Report
- Detailed Legislative Reports - Topical Index
- How to Read a Bill
- How a Bill Becomes a Law
- Overview of the Legislative Process
- Email Notification Sign-Up for Legislative Committee Schedules
- View Legislative Hearings on TVW
- Washington State Legislature