Whatcom County

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File #: AB2019-043    Version: 1
Type: Discussion Status: Discussed
File created: 1/7/2019 In control: Council Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee
On agenda: 4/23/2019 Final action: 4/23/2019
Enactment date: Enactment #:
Title: Discussion/update on proposed ordinance repealing and replacing Whatcom County Code 1.28, Standards for Correctional Facilities
Attachments: 1. Staff Memo, 2. Proposed Ordinance, 3. Proposed Language to Repeal
Related files: AB2019-308, AB2020-214, AB2018-381, AB2021-340
Department County Council Office

TITLE FOR AGENDA ITEM:

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Discussion/update on proposed ordinance repealing and replacing Whatcom County Code 1.28, Standards for Correctional Facilities

 

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SUMMARY STATEMENT OR LEGAL NOTICE LANGUAGE:

 

With the enactment of Ordinance No. 87-85, the County adopted facility standards for the Whatcom County Jail.  This ordinance was eventually codified under Chapter 1.28 of the Whatcom County Code, Standards for  Correctional Facilities.  These standards were originally adopted to comply with RCW 70.48.071, a new state law requiring Counties to adopt standards for correctional facilities. At that time, Whatcom County elected to adopt existing state standards and, over time, those standards have changed, become outdated and/or have been repealed.  The County is currently operating under WCC 1.28, a code with outdated standards that expose the County to the risk of civil liability.  As a result, the Prosecutor Attorney's Office has recommended that the Sheriff request the County Council to adopt an ordinance repealing the current provisions in Chapter 1.28 of the Whatcom County Code in their entirety, and replacing it with the provisions in Exhibit "A."




Whatcom County, Washington
311 Grand Avenue | Bellingham, WA 98225 | Phone: 360-778-5000