Governor signs three proposals by Walsh into law
Correctional uniforms and child welfare proposals become law
Today the governor signed three bills into law sponsored or co-sponsored by Rep. Maureen Walsh.
House Bill 2346 would remove the state requirement for correctional officers' uniforms to be made by inmates. State law requires all agencies and the Legislature to purchase all goods and services from inmate work programs operated by the Department of Corrections.
“The stories I heard from Walla Walla corrections officers showed a deep conflict of interest with having inmates make the same uniforms worn by the officers who guard them,” said Walsh, R-Walla Walla. “Our officers put their lives on the line every day, and they deserve better than poorly sewn uniforms that are often times too small and quickly lose their color. I'm pleased the Legislature passed the bill with such strong support and I thank the governor for her action on this important issue for officers' morale.”
House Bill 2263 would reinvest savings achieved from decreases in foster care caseloads and costs to a new Child and Family Reinvestment Account for improving the foster care system.
“I think it's important to reward the system when it is successful, and continue to find new ways to make things work better for children and families,” Walsh said.
House Bill 2264 would implement performance-based contracting in child welfare services at demonstration sites. It received strong bipartisan support in the House and Senate.
“This will create more efficiencies in the system and promote accountability to taxpayers,” Walsh said.
All three bills will go into effect June 6, 2012. Visit Rep. Walsh's Web site at houserepublicans.wa.gov.
Contact: Sarah Stewart, Public Information Officer, (360) 786-7720
