H-3782.4  _______________________________________________

                          HOUSE BILL 2555

          _______________________________________________

State of Washington      56th Legislature     2000 Regular Session

By Representatives Anderson, Barlean, O'Brien, Haigh, Tokuda, Lovick, Edmonds, Carlson, Ruderman, Wolfe, Morris, Keiser, Rockefeller and Hurst

Read first time 01/17/2000.  Referred to Committee on Criminal Justice & Corrections.

Prohibiting level II and III sex offenders from residing in public parks or playgrounds.

    AN ACT Relating to sex offenders; adding a new section to chapter 9A.44 RCW; creating a new section; prescribing penalties; and providing an effective date.

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

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1.  Parks and playgrounds provide leisure time activities and recreational facilities as a public service to families.  However, the legislature recognizes that high-risk homeless sex offenders, known to reside in public parks, often create fear and pose a risk to those adults, children, and families alike who wish to enjoy and participate in the recreational activities that parks and playgrounds provide.  The legislature understands that it is difficult to track the whereabouts of every sex offender and that it is also impossible for law enforcement and park rangers to notify every family when a sex offender enters and maintains a dwelling or campsite within a public park.  In response the state will try to continue playing a vital role in protecting the public from sex offenders who remain in the community following their conviction by prohibiting the dwelling of sex offenders classified as moderate and high risk in public family recreational areas.  It is paramount to the state to ensure public safety is best served to its citizens by continuing the upmost protection to the community.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 2.  A new section is added to chapter 9A.44 RCW to read as follows:

    (1) A person classified as a risk level II or III sex offender may not camp, maintain a camp or tent, be present, or sleep overnight between dusk and 6 a.m.; dwell; reside; or maintain a temporary or permanent residence of any kind on the grounds of any public park or playground.

    (2) A person classified as a risk level II or III sex offender who dwells, resides, sleeps, or maintains a temporary or permanent residence of any kind in a public park or playground is guilty of a gross misdemeanor.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 3.  This act takes effect July 1, 2001.

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