OLYMPIA – The House took a step toward making religious faith more inclusive for those under Department of Corrections (DOC) custody by passing HB 1485 this afternoon.
The bill would change DOCs’ employee title from “chaplain” to “religious coordinator”
“Faith is important to all of us, and this bill makes it more inclusive. It encompasses chaplains. It encompasses rabbis. It encompasses shaman. It is respectful to all of our faiths equally,” said Rep. Debra Lekanoff (D-Bow).
The bill also encompasses employee titles under the Department of Children, Youth and Families and Department of Social and Health Service.
It is Lekanoff’s first bill to pass off the House floor, 70 – 24.
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