Governor orders accountability over tech systems after early release of prisoners

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — Washington Gov. Jay Inslee has announced new orders that seek to increase accountability around technology systems run by state agencies.


The directive issued Monday is the result of thousands of prisoners mistakenly released early over a 13-year period.

As many as 3,200 prisoners since 2002 were released because of a software coding error that miscalculated sentences.

At least two deaths have been connected to those let out early.

In a news release, Inslee says he is requiring directors of state agencies to catalog "critical" information technology systems and make sure any "known issues" are prioritized correctly, among other orders.

The release says technology systems considered critical include public safety, public health, state collection of revenue and other functions.