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Pearson
introduces public safety legislation for a 'safer Washington'
A package of legislation designed to provide for a safer Washington was
introduced today in the House of Representatives by
Rep.
Kirk Pearson, ranking Republican on the House Criminal Justice
and Corrections Committee.
House Bill 1199 would allow law enforcement officers to collect blood
samples from drivers involved in fatality vehicle accidents. Pearson,
R-Monroe, said blood samples collected on site would provide the most
solid evidence of whether alcohol was a factor in fatality accidents.
"If a person’s driving ability is impaired from alcohol or drugs, we
need to know that and get him or her off the roads," said Pearson.
"Unfortunately, evidence from blood alcohol content diminishes over
time. However, the evidence from a blood sample does not. So this bill
would ensure that the best possible evidence is collected on site."
The measure would also require hospitals to disclose evidence of blood
alcohol content that they have collected from drivers involved in
fatality accidents.
Pearson’s second measure, House Bill 1200, would establish a statewide
protocol for conducting an assessment of an individual’s abuse of
alcohol and drugs.
"There is no single standard that drug and alcohol treatment agencies
use to assess their clients. So unfortunately, many DUI offenders are
misdiagnosed. When that happens, these offenders are able to escape
treatment, which means they may be back out on the road once again
risking people’s lives," said Pearson. "Several years ago, a protocol
was developed and the state asked that all treatment agencies
voluntarily use it for their assessments. However, not all have
complied, and that has left gaps in the system that is jeopardizing
public safety. This bill would close those gaps."
Part of the bill would require drug screening urinalysis testing to be
conducted at the time of the assessment.
Pearson is also re-introducing a bill offered in the previous biennium
that allow school employees, parents and students to obtain a list of
sex offenders attending local schools. Under House Bill 1201, a
convicted sex offender who is attending or planning to attend a public
or private K-12 school must provide his/her name and address of the
school to the county sheriff. The sheriff would be required to maintain
the list of the names of registered sex offenders enrolled in those
schools. The list would be available to those who request it, but would
not otherwise be disseminated.
"If a sex offender moves into your neighborhood, local law enforcement
officials are required to notify you. However, no method exists to know
whether your children are in the same classroom with a registered sex
offender," said Pearson. "The sex offender notification law is designed
to allow people to be aware and take precautions to protect themselves.
This legislation would provide another tool for parents to keep their
children safe."
Pearson added that the bill is not meant to provide a means to harass
juvenile sex offenders attending schools. He notes that Washington’s
schools have strict policies against harassment. Instead, he said, the
measure is meant to protect children through awareness.
"One of my highest priorities this session is to work for policies that
will create a safer Washington. These bills are the beginning of that
journey and will help to protect the lives of innocent citizens,"
Pearson concluded.
House Bill 1201 has been referred for consideration by the House
Juvenile Justice and Family Law Committee. House Bills 1199 and 1200
have been referred to the House Judiciary Committee.
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For more information, contact:
Bobbi Cussins, Public Information Officer:
(360) 786-7252
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