In Washington state, prisons are overseen by state officials, and are required to follow a set of standards. But city and county jails are not. A new proposal by state lawmakers would change that. We talk with Seattle Times investigative reporter Sydney Brownstone about how several deaths in Washington jails helped lead to this push for change.

You can watch Governor Jay Inslee's final State of the State address here.

We can only make Seattle Now because listeners support us. Tap here to make a gift and keep Seattle Now in your feed. 

Got questions about local news or story ideas to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at seattlenow@kuow.org, leave us a voicemail at (206) 616-6746 or leave us feedback online.

In Washington state, prisons are overseen by state officials, and are required to follow a set of standards. But city and county jails are not. A <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/BillSummary/?BillNumber=5005&amp;Year=2025&amp;Initiative=false">new proposal</a> by state lawmakers <a href="https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/bill-would-give-wa-jails-independent-oversight/">would change that</a>. We talk with Seattle Times investigative reporter Sydney Brownstone about how several deaths in Washington jails helped lead to this push for change.
You can watch Governor Jay Inslee's final State of the State address&nbsp;<a href="https://tvw.org/video/joint-legislative-session-governor-jay-inslee-state-of-the-state-address-2025011055/?eventID=2025011055">here</a>.
We can only make Seattle Now because listeners support us.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kuow.org/donate/seattlenow">Tap here</a>&nbsp;to make a gift and keep Seattle Now in your feed.&nbsp;
Got questions about local news or story ideas to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:seattlenow@kuow.org">seattlenow@kuow.org</a>, leave us a voicemail at (206) 616-6746 or<a href="https://www.kuow.org/feedback">&nbsp;leave us feedback online</a>.

Seattle Now is KUOW's flagship daily news podcast. Seattle Now brings you quick headlines, smart analysis, and award-winning local news. New episodes every weekday morning and afternoon. Start and end your day with Seattle Now, from KUOW and the NPR Network.

Seattle Now is KUOW's flagship daily news podcast. Seattle Now brings you quick headlines, smart analysis, and award-winning local news. New episodes every weekday morning and afternoon. Start and end your day with Seattle Now, from KUOW and the NPR Network.

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