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Armstrong supports sex
crimes bill, calls for it to be strengthened
The House of
Representatives today voted 97-0 to approve a measure that would impose
25-year minimum sentences for certain sex crimes against children.
House Republican Deputy Leader
Rep. Mike
Armstrong said House Bill
3277 is a good step forward toward locking up sex offenders who
victimize children.
"One of the most essential duties of government is to protect the safety
of its citizens, especially children. We’ve worked hard with the
majority party to strengthen this bill and to make sure sex predators
can no longer victimize anyone else," said Armstrong, R-Wenatchee.
HB 3277 would impose 25-year sentences for several offenses against
children younger than 15, developmentally disabled people and old or
frail adults. Teachers, coaches and clergy also would be subject to the
sentences. However, sex offenders who target their relatives could be
eligible for dramatically reduced sentences, along with treatment, under
the measure.
"We had hoped that this bill would have included tougher sentences
against family members who rape a child. They also need to be held
accountable for their crimes. And we need to make sure they can no
longer hurt a child," noted Armstrong. "However, we were able to
convince the majority party to move closer to our position by including
tougher sentences against those who violate their position of trust with
the victim, such as a teacher, coach or a member of the clergy. That is
a major step forward."
The minimum sentences for such crimes currently range from between four
to 10 years. The law also allows some first-time offenders to serve only
12 months in jail under the state’s "Special Sex Offender Sentencing
Alternative" (SSOSA) if they undergo treatment. House Republicans had
pushed for tighter eligibility of SSOSA through House Bill 2476, also
known as "Jessica’s Law Plus." HB 2476 had called for even tougher
sentences, including mandatory penalties for all offenders. Although
that bill received a hearing, it was not allowed by the majority party
to move forward. Instead, the House Criminal Justice and Corrections
Committee approved HB 3277 to move to the floor where it passed today.
"This bill is not everything we want. However, it is better than the
laws we have now," added Armstrong. "If we can save additional children
from being victimized, it will be worth it. However, we will not stop
until we have stronger laws that protect all of our children from these
heinous predators."
The measure now heads to the Senate for further consideration.
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For more information, contact:
John
Sattgast, Public Information Officer: (360) 786-7257
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