Dear friends and neighbors,

No more fundamental duty of government exists than ensuring the protection of its citizens, especially children and our most vulnerable adults. Families want and expect our neighborhoods to be safe.

As your elected lawmaker, it is my responsibility to ensure that our laws are working to protect and preserve public safety. I take that responsibility very seriously.

Recently, I met with our local law enforcement officials in Oak Harbor and Burlington to hear what they had to say about crime and public safety in our 10th District communities. They shared the same concerns I have about legislation that passed during the 2007 session that provides a "re-entry program" for convicted criminals. Senate Bill 6157, which I opposed, requires inmates who have served their time to be released to the county in which they committed their first crimes.

While our law enforcement officials don't expect a large amount of offenders to be released back into our local communities, we all want to ensure that proper resources are in place to be prepared for those who do return. It's vital that our communities stay safe and that our law enforcement officers have the tools and support necessary to do their jobs.

In addition, I am working with my House Republican colleagues on a plan that would provide greater accountability of convicted sex offenders. When loopholes in state laws came to light after the tragic death of a 12-year-old girl in Tacoma this July, we called on the governor to hold a special session to pass legislation to address sex offenders who shirk their responsibility to register and endanger families. We suggested that the session be held during "Interim Committee Assembly Days" last week since lawmakers would already be gathered in Olympia. Unfortunately, the governor said she would wait until the Legislature convenes in January to take up the issue.

Your input to the process of keeping our neighborhoods safe is also very important. That's why you may be receiving a survey I mailed last week which solicits your views. You are also welcome to download this survey and newsletter by clicking here.

Also, if you would like to further discuss this or other issues, I invite you to join me at one of my upcoming "Coffee Talks" in a community near you. For more information on these informal meetings, scroll down this page.

Together, we can preserve for us and our future generations the quality of life we enjoy in the 10th District. It is an honor to serve you!

Sincerely,

Rep. Barbara Bailey
10th Legislative District

Public Safety -- The most basic responsibility of government
 

• Auto theft penalties (House Bill 1001) - Increases penalties for car theft and vehicle prowls and creates a crime for making or possessing tools often used to steal vehicles. The bill was signed into law.
   
• Eluding a police vehicle (House Bill 1030) - Would impose one-year prison sentences for endangering others while eluding police vehicles. Passed the House, but stalled in the Senate.
   
• Families before Felons (House Bill 2393) - Would have frozen early release of felons, stepped up Department of Corrections supervision of felons upon release, and required offenders who violate the conditions of their release to be returned to serve out the remainder of their sentences. Unfortunately, the majority party did not allow this bill to move forward.