House tightens prison time for sex offenders

OLYMPIA – Although sentencing requirements for sex offenders in Washington state are already among the toughest in the nation, today the state House of Representatives took action to assure that these violent criminals stay behind bars.

“During my 25 years in law enforcement, I have arrested thousands of criminals -- but I will always remember the child molesters and rapists,” the legislation’s prime sponsor, state Rep. Christopher Hurst (D-Enumclaw) said. “These violent offenders have no place outside of prison.”

When violent sex offenders are locked up, they serve what is known as an indeterminate sentence, which means after offenders serve their time, the Indeterminate Sentencing Review Board (ISRB) decides whether the offender can return to society.

“The ISRB will soon be overwhelmed with offenders who are eligible for hearings,” Hurst said. “This legislation gives the ISRB the tools it needs to keep violent offenders from slipping through bureaucratic cracks.”

Under current law, if the ISRB deems an offender too dangerous to be returned to society, the board can send the offender back to prison for up to two years. This new legislation, House Bill 1592, would extend that time to five years.

“I’d like to applaud Rep. Hurst for his dedication and diligence on this issue,” House Human Services Committee Chair Mary Lou Dickerson (D-Seattle) said. “His knowledge and experience as a police officer helped everyone on the committee to better understand the challenges the ISRB is facing.”

House Bill 1592 also allows the ISRB to consider testimony from victims when deciding whether to send offenders back to prison.

“In many cases wounds inflicted on victims of sex crimes never really heal,” Hurst said. “Allowing their testimony before the ISRB recognizes the importance of the rights of victims.”

House Bill 1592 was approved with a 98-0 vote and awaits action in the Senate.

###

Bill Information: House Bill 1592

Staff Contact: Jeff Muhm (360) 786-7237