Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Community safety and behavioral health are deeply intertwined. One of the best investments we can make is ensuring that we have a robust and compassionate response to people in our communities who are struggling to manage their mental health and substance use disorders. Our communities and public spaces are safer and more welcoming when we help those in need of behavioral health care. We must consider other remedies besides jail for low-level, non-violent offenses. I discuss these policy proposals in my latest video update here:
Reforming the Broken Competency Evaluation & Restoration System
Washington State’s competency evaluation and restoration system is failing individuals with behavioral health needs, leaving them languishing in jails instead of receiving the treatment they need. I supported House Bill 1218 designed to fix systemic delays, reduce unnecessary incarceration, and invest in community-based mental health services.
This bill responds to the urgent challenges outlined in the Trueblood settlement agreement, which found Washington in violation of individuals’ constitutional rights due to long wait times for competency evaluations and restoration. Not only did this violation cost the state $100 million, but it illuminated our failure to support those in need. HB 1218, sponsored by my colleague Rep. Darya Farivar (D-North Seattle), incentivizes more appropriate diversion efforts and asks municipalities to “show their work” when sending someone into the competency pipeline, encouraging a more thoughtful approach to referrals. This is how we truly serve individuals with behavioral health needs outside of the criminal justice system, strengthening local behavioral health programs to prevent unnecessary involvement in the criminal justice system.
Increasing Oversight of Detention Facilities
No one should be denied basic human dignity, yet a private detention facility in Washington has been plagued by reports of medical neglect, unsanitary conditions, and abuse. In response, the House of Representatives has passed House Bill 1232 to ensure all detention facilities—whether public or private—adhere to basic humane standards.
This bill, sponsored by my colleague Rep. Lillian Ortiz-Self (D-Mukilteo) strengthens oversight, clarifies operational requirements, and expands enforcement powers to
protect some of the state’s most vulnerable individuals. Currently, detainees in a detention center—including individuals who have not been convicted of a crime or granted a fair hearing—are being held in inhumane conditions. Reports of missed medical treatments, unsanitary living environments, and even sexual assaults have underscored the urgent need for reform. The Northwest ICE Processing Center, one of the most scrutinized facilities in the state, has drawn widespread concern over hunger strikes, the use of solitary confinement, and its refusal to allow oversight agencies entry.
Our state has a moral and legal responsibility to safeguard the welfare of all people within its borders. If you do business in the state of Washington, you must uphold basic human dignity. Our ethical responsibility as a state doesn’t end at a prison gate. HB 1232 is the latest step in Washington’s years-long effort to improve conditions in detention centers.
Washington by the Numbers
Ever wonder how our state compares to other states in this great nation? Or maybe you’d like to know how many wineries, breweries and craft distilleries we have? How about what our largest exporting goods are? Wonder no more! The Department of Commerce has done the legwork for us and, in its Choose Washington website, has a page adequately named Washington by the Numbers.
Our state remains an amazing place to live by these metrics, and so many others. I will always support policies that help ensure the benefits of living here extend to every Washington resident.
With less than 40 days left in the session we continue to make steady progress pursuing legislation aligned with our values, which protect and support all Washingtonians.
Keep an eye out for my next legislative update coming soon. Thanks for your interest in public policy and the legislative process.
All best wishes,
Rep. Roger Goodman