SB 5845-S.E - DIGEST

(AS OF SENATE 2ND READING 3/14/01)

     Declares an intent to:

     (1) Enhance public safety and maximize the potential for successful treatment of sexually violent predators through the secure and tightly controlled use of less restrictive alternatives in community-based secure housing facilities;

     (2) Maximize the safety of communities in which secure facilities are located and ensure public input into secure housing facilities by enabling community participation in decisions involving these essential public facilities;

     (3) Comply with federal court orders and require the siting of less restrictive alternative housing facilities and to preclude the possibility that the department of social and health services would be unable to site a facility due to local moratoriums and requirements;

     (4) Require the department to work with local jurisdictions to address specific local concerns and develop zoning requirements and development regulations that balance the need for siting with public safety; and

     (5) Improve public safety by strengthening the safeguards in placement, oversight, and monitoring of the persons released to a less restrictive alternative in a secure residential facility, and by establishing minimum standards for the siting and operation of secure residential facilities.

     Finds that community participation in siting and oversight is vital to the success of secure facilities for less restrictive alternatives.