Title: An act relating to adding entities entitled to notification about sex offenders and kidnapping offenders.

Brief Description: Adding entities entitled to notification about sex offenders and kidnapping offenders.

Sponsors: Representatives Buri, O'Brien, Walsh, Ericks, Darneille, McCoy, Clements, Serben, Pearson, Strow, Kristiansen, Moeller, Lovick, Simpson, Campbell, Tom, Morrell, Chase, Ahern, Newhouse, Armstrong, Woods, Sells and Ormsby.

Brief History: Passed House: 2/28/05, 87-0.

Committee Activity: Human Services & Corrections: 3/17/05, 3/31/05 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES & CORRECTIONS

Majority Report: Do pass.Signed by Senators Hargrove, Chair; Regala, Vice Chair; Stevens, Ranking Minority Member; Brandland, Carrell, McAuliffe and Thibaudeau.

Staff: Fara Daun (786-7459)

Background: Under the community notification provisions in current law, communities are notified about sex and kidnapping offenders based on the individual person's risk level. The information provided under all levels is limited to information that is accurate, relevant, and necessary to protect the public and is individually tailored to the specific circumstances and risks posed by each offender.

Notification for offenders classified as Level 1 is limited to law enforcement and to those victims, witnesses, and residents near the offender's residence or where the offender is regularly found who request the information. Notification on offenders classified as Level 2 includes, in addition to the Level 1 notification, notice to public and private schools, child day care centers, family day care providers, businesses and organizations that serve primarily children, women, or vulnerable adults, and neighbors and community groups near the offenders's residence or where the offender is regularly found. Notification on offenders classified as Level 3 and for offenders who register as homeless or transient includes, in addition to Level 2 notification, broad disclosure to the public at large.

Summary of Bill: The list of businesses and organizations receiving Level 2 notification is expanded to include public libraries.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For: The public library is one of our society's institutions with a great influence on children. It is important in how it supports early childhood development and learning. This bill provides notice as a tool for library staff. It is notification only, and doesn't tell the staff what to do with the information.

Testimony Against: None.

Who Testified: PRO: Representative David Buri, prime sponsor.