SGA 9216
In CommitteeSenate
TIMOTHY LANG
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 formally appoints Timothy Lang as the head of the Washington State Department of Corrections, effective January 15, 2025, with his service continuing until the governor decides otherwise.
- Appoints Timothy Lang as Secretary of the Department of Corrections.
- Sets the term length as 'at the governor's pleasure', meaning he serves at the discretion of the governor and can be removed at any time.
- Makes the appointment effective January 15, 2025.
Who is affected
- Timothy Lang — The appointee, Timothy Lang, will serve as the top leader of the Washington State Department of Corrections, overseeing all state correctional facilities, staff, and rehabilitation programs.
Who Is Most Affected
Timothy Lang gains formal authority and responsibility as head of a major state agency, including oversight of corrections staff, facilities, and rehabilitation programs. His influence over policy and operations will increase significantly, though his position remains politically contingent on the governor’s trust.
As head of the Department of Corrections, the appointee will shape policies on prison operations, staff management, rehabilitation programs, and reentry services. This could affect outcomes for incarcerated individuals, staff working conditions, and public safety initiatives — though the bill itself does not mandate any specific policy direction.
Corrections staff (officers, counselors, medical personnel, etc.) may experience changes in leadership style, priorities, and operational expectations depending on the appointee’s management approach. However, the bill does not alter employment terms, wages, or working conditions directly.
The governor gains direct control over corrections leadership without legislative confirmation, reinforcing executive authority over a critical public safety agency. This aligns with standard Washington state practice for agency heads serving at the governor’s pleasure.
Local governments and communities near correctional facilities may see indirect effects if the appointee shifts priorities (e.g., toward rehabilitation vs. security), but the bill itself does not alter funding, facility operations, or community oversight mechanisms.