HOUSE BILL REPORT
HB 2569
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.
As Reported by House Committee On:
Public Safety & Emergency Preparedness
Title: An act relating to providing funding to local government for purposes of registered sex and kidnapping offender address verification and community notification.
Brief Description: Providing funding to local government for purposes of registered sex and kidnapping offender address verification and community notification.
Sponsors: Representatives Dickerson, O'Brien, Lantz, Takko, Williams, Seaquist, Morrell, Ormsby, Liias, Miloscia, Hurst, McIntire, Kenney, Campbell, VanDeWege, Barlow, Green and Simpson.
Brief History:
Public Safety & Emergency Preparedness: 1/23/08 [DP].
Brief Summary of Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY & EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 7 members: Representatives O'Brien, Chair; Hurst, Vice Chair; Pearson, Ranking Minority Member; Ross, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Ahern, Goodman and Kirby.
Staff: Jim Morishima (786-7191).
Background:
Under the Community Protection Act of 1990, a sex and kidnapping offender must register
with the county sheriff of the county in which he or she resides. An offender must provide a
variety of information upon registration including name, complete residential address, date
and place of birth, place of employment, crime of conviction, date and place of conviction,
aliases, Social Security number, photograph, and fingerprints.
Law enforcement agencies are authorized to release information regarding registered sex
offenders based on the offenders' risk level. For example, for a risk level I offender
(evaluated as presenting the least amount of risk to the larger community), a law enforcement
agency may only disclose the offender's information to specified persons and entities; e.g.,
schools, victims, and witnesses. For a risk level III offender (evaluated as presenting the
largest amount of risk to the larger community), a law enforcement agency may disclose the
offender's information to the public at large.
In addition to community notification, law enforcement agencies are required to make
reasonable attempts to verify that an offender is living at his or her registered address. At a
minimum, address verification must consist of sending a verification form to the offender's
registered address. The form must be sent at least every 90 days for offenders who have been
designated as sexually violent predators. For all other offenders, the form must be sent out at
least once a year. A law enforcement agency must make reasonable attempts to locate an
offender who fails to return the form.
Summary of Bill:
A $5 million appropriation is made for the Fiscal Year ending June 30, 2009, from the Public
Safety and Education Account to the Criminal Justice Training Commission for purposes of
assisting local law enforcement agencies: (a) to verify the addresses and residency of
registered sex and kidnapping offenders; and (b) to notify the community of registered sex
and kidnapping offenders within their jurisdictions. The funds are to be distributed to the
local law enforcement agencies by the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs.
Appropriation: The sum of $5 million is made for the Fiscal Year ending June 30, 2009, from the Public Safety and Education Account to the Criminal Justice Training Commission.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) An increasing number of requirements have been placed upon local law
enforcement agencies with respect to sex and kidnapping offender registration. These
requirements have been a financial strain on local governments, which are already strapped
for funds. This has resulted in almost no monitoring for level I sex offenders. Local law
enforcement agencies have indicated that more laws are not needed to increase public safety
in this area; what is needed is the funding to enforce the existing requirements. This bill
provides a one-time appropriation, which will help local law enforcement monitor offenders
and notify the public. The bill also creates a mechanism for ongoing funding.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Representative Dickerson, prime sponsor; Don Pierce, Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs; and Dan Kimball, Thurston County Sheriff for Washington Association of County Officials.