SB5490 sets parameters for searches of transgender and intersex individuals in Washington jails, ensuring compliance with federal law.

SB5490 mandates that local jails develop policies for searching transgender and intersex individuals, ensuring compliance with federal law. It requires searches to be conducted by staff of the same gender or a medical professional, unless exigent circumstances apply. Transgender and intersex individuals must be offered options for who conducts the search, and searches cannot be based solely on gender designation. The bill also prohibits searches intended solely to determine genital status and mandates private locations for searches. Effective September 1, 2025.

SB5490 sets parameters for searches of transgender and intersex individuals in Washington jails, ensuring compliance with federal law.

SB5490 mandates that local jails develop policies for searching transgender and intersex individuals, ensuring compliance with federal law. It requires searches to be conducted by staff of the same gender or a medical professional, unless exigent circumstances apply. Transgender and intersex individuals must be offered options for who conducts the search, and searches cannot be based solely on gender designation. The bill also prohibits searches intended solely to determine genital status and mandates private locations for searches. Effective September 1, 2025.