State House passes bill to discharge ill inmates

OLYMPIA — Low-risk prison inmates with debilitating medical conditions could be released early under a bill passed by the House.

The measure would discharge inmates if they were incapacitated due to age or condition, required costly care, and if their release would save the state money. Death row inmates, or those serving life sentences without the possibility of parole, would not be eligible for early release.

Supporters of the measure say discharging debilitated prisoners would save the state money and is the compassionate thing to do.

Critics argue the state won’t actually save money because most those released will become dependent on state aid programs and safety nets.

The bill passed 51-46 Tuesday night and now moves to the Senate for consideration.