HB 2241
In CommitteeHouse
Radiation dose standards
Establishing radiation dose standards for the operation of ionizing radiation screening systems regulated by the department of health.
This status may be delayed. See Action History below for the latest updates.
How does a bill become law?
- Introduced: The bill is filed and assigned a number.
- Committee: A subject-matter committee holds hearings, takes public testimony, and decides whether to advance the bill.
- Floor Vote: The full chamber (House or Senate) debates and votes on the bill.
- Opposite Chamber: The bill repeats the committee and floor vote process in the other chamber.
- Governor: The Governor reviews the bill and decides whether to sign or veto it.
- Signed: The bill has been signed into law.
AI Analysis
This bill restores the minimum radiation dose levels for body scanners used in Washington’s correctional, detention, and jail facilities to improve their ability to detect contraband like opioids and weapons. It responds to a December 2024 rule change that reduced scanner power to one-eighth of previous levels, leading to unclear images and safety concerns. The bill ensures dose levels remain well below public and occupational safety limits while supporting effective screening.
- Requires the Washington State Department of Health to allow ionizing radiation body scanners in correctional, detention, and jail facilities to operate at a minimum effective dose of 2 µSv (0.2 mrem) per screening.
- Prohibits the Department of Health from setting radiation dose limits lower than 0.25 mSv (25 mrem) per year for individuals screened in correctional or detention facilities.
- Sets a minimum radiation exposure limit outside the scanner zone at 20 µSv (2 mrem) per hour.
- Defines key terms such as correctional facility, detention facility, jail, and radiation screening zone for consistent application.
- Amends existing law to ensure the Department of Health cannot impose stricter radiation dose limits on screening systems used in secure facilities than those specified in the bill.
Who is affected
- Incarcerated individuals — Incarcerated individuals face increased risk from undetected contraband like opioids due to reduced scanner effectiveness; safe radiation exposure limits remain protected under the bill.
- Correctional facility staff — Correctional staff rely on functional body scanners to detect weapons, drugs, and other threats; the bill restores scanner power to help them perform safety checks effectively.
- Correctional and detention facilities — Jails and detention centers (including juvenile facilities) must use body scanners that meet the new minimum radiation dose standards to maintain contraband screening capabilities.
- Washington State Department of Health — The Washington State Department of Health must revise its radiation dose rules for screening devices in correctional settings to align with the new legislative standards.
Pro/Con Analysis
Stronger case for concerns
Potential Concerns (5)
Restoring higher radiation dose levels improves scanner image clarity, enabling staff to detect contraband like opioids and weapons—reducing overdose deaths and violent incidents inside facilities. This directly enhances safety for both incarcerated individuals and staff.
Public SafetyPeopleRef: Sec. 2(1)(a)The bill sets a minimum annual dose limit of 0.25 mSv for individuals screened in secure facilities—well below federal occupational limits (50 mSv/year) and public limits (1 mSv/year)—ensuring continued health protection while restoring functionality.
Public SafetyPeopleRef: Sec. 2(1)(b)The 20 µSv/hour ambient radiation limit outside the screening zone protects visitors, staff, and others in adjacent areas from unnecessary exposure, balancing operational needs with community safety.
Public SafetyPeopleRef: Sec. 2(1)(c)Mandating a minimum 2 µSv per-screen dose restores scanner efficacy, addressing the documented decline in contraband detection since the December 2024 rule change—directly supporting staff ability to prevent drug and weapon entry.
Public SafetyPeopleRef: Sec. 2(2)The bill explicitly ties the legislative findings to preventing overdose deaths and other safety incidents already occurring due to degraded scanning—making the safety rationale urgent and evidence-based.
Public SafetyPeopleRef: Sec. 1(1)(d)
Who Is Most Affected
Incarcerated individuals benefit significantly: reduced contraband (especially opioids) lowers overdose risk, and improved screening helps prevent violence linked to illicit goods. Radiation exposure remains well below safety thresholds, so health risks are minimal.
Correctional staff gain improved ability to detect weapons and drugs, reducing workplace risks and potentially lowering injury or fatality rates. The bill supports their safety without imposing new burdens.
Facilities avoid operational disruptions caused by ineffective screening (e.g., contraband-related incidents, investigations, or lawsuits). However, compliance with updated standards may require minor equipment recalibration or staff retraining.
The Department of Health loses regulatory discretion in this specific area but retains authority over other radiation sources. Its role is preserved in monitoring and enforcement, though its rulemaking autonomy is narrowed for this use case.
Families and visitors of incarcerated individuals benefit indirectly from safer facilities and reduced risk of contraband-related incidents (e.g., overdoses, violence). No direct costs or restrictions are imposed on them.