BILL REQ. #:  S-2203.1 

Read first time 03/19/09.   Referred to Committee on Human Services & Corrections.

     AN ACT Relating to limiting siting of secure residential facilities for sexually violent predators to properties zoned for industrial use; amending RCW 71.09.260; creating a new section; and declaring an emergency.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   The legislature finds that the siting of secure residential facilities for sexually violent predators in residential neighborhoods presents unacceptable dangers and stresses to families. Further, the siting of these facilities disproportionately frightens the children and parents of residential neighborhoods. The legislature also finds that the goals of the growth management act to preserve and protect the rural character of our agricultural lands need reinforcement to preserve farming and that secure residential facilities for sexually violent predators threaten its efforts to preserve agriculture. The legislature intends to protect families from disproportionate fear and stress and the goals of the growth management act by limiting the siting of secure residential facilities for sexually violent predators to sites previously zoned for industrial use.

Sec. 2   RCW 71.09.260 and 2001 2nd sp.s. c 12 s 206 are each amended to read as follows:
     The provisions of chapter 12, Laws of 2001 2nd sp. sess. shall ((not)) be construed to limit siting of secure community transition facilities to ((residential neighborhoods)) properties zoned for industrial use.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 3   This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately.