Wash. Rev. Code » Title 72 · Chapter 72.09
Revised Code of Washington

Wash. Rev. Code § 72.09.050 (2026)

Powers and duties of secretary

✓ current as of May 2026
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The secretary shall manage the department of corrections and shall be responsible for the administration of adult correctional programs, including but not limited to the operation of all state correctional institutions or facilities used for the confinement of convicted felons. In addition, the secretary shall have broad powers to enter into agreements with any federal agency, any federally recognized tribe, or any other state, or any Washington state agency or local government providing for the operation of any correctional facility or program for persons convicted of felonies or misdemeanors or for juvenile offenders. Such agreements for counties with local law and justice councils shall be required in the local law and justice plan pursuant to RCW 72.09.300. The agreements may provide for joint operation or operation by the department of corrections, alone, for by any of the other governmental entities, alone. The secretary may employ persons to aid in performing the functions and duties of the department. The secretary may delegate any of his or her functions or duties to department employees, including the authority to certify and maintain custody of records and documents on file with the department. The secretary is authorized to promulgate standards for the department of corrections within appropriation levels authorized by the legislature.
Pursuant to the authority granted in chapter 34.05 RCW, the secretary shall adopt rules providing for inmate restitution when restitution is determined appropriate as a result of a disciplinary action.
[ 2022 c 254 s 3; 2020 c 318 s 5. Prior: 1999 c 309 s 1902; 1999 c 309 s 924; 1995 c 189 s 1; 1991 c 363 s 149; 1987 c 312 s 4; 1986 c 19 s 1; 1981 c 136 s 5.]

Notes:

Finding—2022 c 254: See note following RCW 72.09.015.
Findings—Intent—Construction—Effective date—2020 c 318: See notes following RCW 72.68.110.
Effective dates—1999 c 309 ss 927-929, 931, and 1101-1902: See note following RCW 43.79.480.
Severability—Effective date—1999 c 309: See notes following RCW 41.06.152.
Purpose—Captions not law—1991 c 363: See notes following RCW 2.32.180.
Notes of Decisions
Cited in 18 cases (2 in the last 5 years), 1990–2024 · leading case: In Re Matteson, 12 P.3d 585 (Wash. 2008).
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In Re Matteson, 12 P.3d 585 (Wash. 2008). · cites it 9× “In granting review, we directed that the parties specifically address whether the Legislature properly amended RCW 72.09.050 in the 1999 bill adopting a state budget.”
In re the Pers. Restraint of Matteson, 142 Wash. 2d 298 (Wash. 2000). · cites it 9× “In granting review, we directed that the parties specifically address whether the Legislature properly amended RCW 72.09.050 in the 1999 bill adopting a state budget.”
Melville v. State, 793 P.2d 952 (Wash. 1990). · cites it 2× “101 and RCW 72.09.050 are set out in the footnote.”
State v. Chhom, 173 P.3d 234 (Wash. 2007). “¶ 28 Under RCW 72.09.050, the Department of Corrections may contract with any other federal or state agency for the confinement of felony offenders in federal and/or out-of-state correctional facilities.”
State v. Chhom, 162 Wash. 2d 451 (Wash. 2007). “¶28 Under RCW 72.09.050, the Department of Corrections may contract with any other federal or state agency for the confinement of felony offenders in federal and/or out-of-state correctional facilities.”
Brown v. Vail, 169 Wash. 2d 318 (Wash. 2010). “RCW 72.09.050. The secretary “may delegate any of his or her functions or duties to department employees.”
In Re Garcia, 24 P.3d 1091 (Wash. Ct. App. 2001). “[30] See RCW 72.09.050 (italics ours). [31] RCW 72.”
In re the Pers. Restraint of Garcia, 106 Wash. App. 625 (Wash. Ct. App. 2001). “See RCW 72.09.050. RCW 72.09.130(1) states that [DOC] shall adopt, by rule, a system that clearly links an inmate’s behavior and participation in available education and work programs with the receipt or denial of earned early release days and other privileges.”
Brown v. Vail, 237 P.3d 263 (Wash. 2010). “RCW 72.09.050. The secretary "may delegate any of his or her functions or duties to department employees.”
Jackstadt v. Washington State Patrol, 976 P.2d 190 (Wash. Ct. App. 1999). · cites it 2× “040 (Director, Department of Community, Trade, and Economic Development); RCW 72.09.050 (Secretary, Department of Corrections); and RCW 82.”
In Re Forbis, 74 P.3d 1189 (Wash. 2003). “The statutory grant of authority cited in the policy is the general authority of the secretary of corrections to direct the DOC, enacted in 1981 as RCW 72.09.050. In addition, a statute enacted in the 1994 special session authorized the DOC to determine which offenders would…”
In re the Pers. Restraint of Forbis, 150 Wash. 2d 91 (Wash. 2003). “The statutory grant of authority cited in the policy is the general authority of the secretary of corrections to direct the DOC, enacted in 1981 as RCW 72.09.050. In addition, a statute enacted in the 1994 special session authorized the DOC to determine which offenders would…”
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