Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Human Services Committee

HB 1430

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Brief Summary of Bill

Requires the Department of Corrections to consider the number of registered sex offenders currently residing within one mile of a proposed address when exercising its discretion regarding release plans for sex offenders.

Background:

When a sex offender is released from the custody of the Department of Corrections (DOC), the DOC prepares an Offender Release Plan. The Community Corrections Officer is required to visit the proposed residence and make an assessment of the degree of risk for victims and potential victims of similar age or circumstances. Sex offenders must receive approval from the DOC to reside at a given address.

In 2008 a task force was created by the City of Everett to review issues related to the placement and management of sex offenders in Everett. The task force was to provide policy recommendations to the City Council. Among other recommendations, the task force proposed that the DOC consider the concentration of sex offenders in a neighborhood before approving an address in that neighborhood for a registered sex offender. The task force also recommended that the City of Everett bring to the attention of the Legislature the need to analyze and define the impacts, implications, and adverse effects that high concentrations of sex offenders may have on property values and public safety within communities.

Summary of Bill:

In addition to the other criteria that the DOC considers when preparing and approving a release plan, the DOC must, prior to approving a residence location, consider the number of registered sex offenders currently residing within one mile of the proposed address.