March 21, 2008

Bailey sponsors two measures that will strengthen sex offender laws
Legislation signed into law

Rep. Barbara Bailey sponsored two measures that will strengthen state sex offender laws. The bills were signed into law yesterday by the governor.

House Bill 2713 expands the state’s DNA identification system to include information from persons required to register as sex or kidnapping offenders – including those convicted of certain gross misdemeanors and misdemeanors. The measure also changes the manner in which DNA samples are collected and tested.

“This bill provides law enforcement with a new tool in finding and prosecuting criminals. It will also help exonerate the innocent, which is very important to our justice system,” said Bailey, R-Oak Harbor. “The new crimes being added to the list are widely considered to have connections to more serious offenses. The bill only applies to people convicted of these crimes, not just people who are arrested.”

House Bill 2786 requires the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs to include Level I sex offenders on the statewide sex offender Web site when they are out of compliance with registration laws.

“This measure will streamline the process for placing Level One sex offenders who fail to
meet registration requirements on the statewide sex and kidnapping offender Web site. It does not apply to all Level One sex offenders – only those who fail to maintain registration,” said Bailey. “This will encourage Level I sex offenders to maintain their registration. It is important not only for public safety, but also to help law enforcement find and apprehend sex offenders who are failing to maintain their registration.”

Public safety is a priority of the 10th District lawmaker. Bailey’s constituents continue to weigh-in on ideas they believe will make communities safer. She conducted a public safety survey for district constituents last October that revealed the following:

     • 34 percent think law enforcement officials have sufficient resources to adequately protect the public;
     • 92 percent are against the early release of felons;
     • 88 percent believe a GPS tracking device should be placed on all Level III sex offenders and all criminals convicted of felony sex offenses against minors;
     • 92 percent believe sex offenders who violate the conditions of their releases should receive mandatory minimum one-year prison sentences; and
     • 86 percent believe community notification should be required of all levels of sex offenders moving into neighborhoods.

The 2008 legislative session ended on March 13.

# # #

For more information, contact: John Handy, Assistant Director: (360) 786-5758