Full text of Washington Revised Code of Washington § 72.25.020 — Return of nonresidents — Reciprocity — Expense — Resident of this state defined., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 72.25.020. Return of nonresidents — Reciprocity — Expense — Resident of this state defined.
The secretary shall also return all nonresident sexual psychopaths, psychopathic delinquents, or mentally ill persons who are now confined in or who may hereafter be committed to a state hospital for the sexual psychopath, psychopathic delinquent, or the mentally ill in this state to the states or state in which they may have a legal residence. For the purpose of facilitating the return of such persons the secretary may enter into a reciprocal agreement with any other state for the mutual exchange of sexual psychopaths, psychopathic delinquents, or mentally ill persons now confined in or hereafter committed to any hospital for the sexual psychopath, psychopathic delinquent, or the mentally ill in one state whose legal residence is in the other, and he or she may give written permission for the return of any resident of Washington now or hereafter confined in a hospital for the sexual psychopath, psychopathic delinquent, or the mentally ill in another state. Such residents may be returned directly to the proper Washington state institution without further court proceedings: PROVIDED, That if the superintendent of such institution is of the opinion that the returned person is not a sexual psychopath, a psychopathic delinquent, or mentally ill person he or she may discharge said patient: PROVIDED FURTHER, That if such superintendent deems such person a sexual psychopath, a psychopathic delinquent, or mentally ill person, he or she shall file an application for commitment within ninety days of arrival at the Washington institution.
A person shall be deemed to be a resident of this state within the meaning of this chapter who has maintained his or her domiciliary residence in this state for a period of one year preceding commitment to a state institution without receiving assistance from any tax supported organization and who has not subsequently acquired a domicile in another state: PROVIDED, That any period of time spent by such person while an inmate of a state hospital or state institution or while on parole, escape, or leave of absence therefrom shall not be counted in determining the time of residence in this or another state.
All expenses incurred in returning sexual psychopaths, psychopathic delinquents, or mentally ill persons from this to another state may be paid by this state, but the expense of returning residents of this state shall be borne by the state making the return. Mentally ill person for the purposes of this section shall be any person defined as mentally ill under RCW
72.23.010, as now or hereafter amended.
Notes
Purpose—Intent—Severability—1977 ex.s. c 80: See notes following RCW
4.16.190.
Source: official Washington text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Washington § 72.25.020
What does Revised Code of Washington § 72.25.020 cover?
Section 72.25.020 ("Return of nonresidents — Reciprocity — Expense — Resident of this state defined.") is part of the Revised Code of Washington, the codified statutory law of Washington. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Washington § 72.25.020?
A common citation format is "Revised Code of Washington § 72.25.020" (Washington). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Washington law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Washington official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Washington attorney.
How does Washington § 72.25.020 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Washington can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
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