House focuses on bill package to help victims of sexual assault

February 12, 2007

OLYMPIA – Legislation passed the House today to help sexual assault victims through the legal process. Rep. Deb Eddy (D—Kirkland) sponsored one of the unanimously-passed measures, preventing fees on sexual assault protection orders, her first to clear the House.

In addition, Reps. Tami Green (D—Lakewood) and Brendan Williams (D—Olympia) have bills to protect victims from having their location revealed, as well as to prevent law enforcement from asking for a polygraph before conducting an investigation. Green’s bill passed 96-0 and Williams’ is expected to pass Wednesday.

“Victims deserve access to a legal system that doesn’t create further trauma,” Eddy said. “Passing tough protection-order laws means very little if victims can’t access the system because of a lack of funds.”

HB 1421 (Rep. Tami Green):

- Victims of stalking can access the Address Confidentiality Program.

- The requirement that a mailing address must be used to register is broadened to just an “address” must be used.

- Participants would need to give two days notice of moving, down from seven, before their entry is cancelled.

HB 1437 (Rep. Deb Eddy)

- Victims of sexual assault currently pay for additional copies of the order, as well as delivery of notice to the other party.

- Under the bill, these fees are eliminated.

HB 1520 (Rep. Brendan Williams)

- Government officials and law enforcement would be prevented from subjecting sex offense victims to polygraph tests as a stipulation for investigating their charges.

“Eliminating the service of process fee when a sexual assault order is filed makes a big difference to a victim on a limited income,” Eddy said. “A person’s ability to pay should not affect a victim’s ability to get a protection order.”

All three bills will need Senate approval and signatures from Gov. Gregoire before becoming law.

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Staff contact: Andrew Dziedzic, (360) 786-7218

Bill information

HB 1437: http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summary.aspx?bill=1437&year=2007

HB 1421: http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summary.aspx?bill=1421&year=2007

HB 1520: http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summary.aspx?bill=1520&year=2007

Radio and TV News Directors

To obtain broadcast-quality audio on this issue, or to arrange for TV or radio interviews, please contact Caucus Broadcast Coordinator Dan Frizzell at frizzell.dan@leg.wa.gov or (360) 786-7208.