State lawmakers are working on a bill to prevent situations similar to the opening of a new home for individuals convicted of sexually violent offenses in Tenino that has surprised, worried and angered many area residents.
State Sen. Drew MacEwen, R-Shelton, and state Reps. Dan Griffey, R-Allyn, and Travis Couture, R-Allyn, are writing legislation that would close a public notice loophole allowing private operators to house violent offenders in low-security adult group homes with minimal notice and assurance of adequate community protection, according to a news release.
The legislation would impose stronger requirements for notice and public comment for group homes housing sex offenders who have been determined to be dangerous by the state. The three 35th District lawmakers plan to introduce the bills in the Senate and the House.
“We want people to know we are working on legislative solutions,” MacEwen said. “No one can blame the community for being upset. This has been in the works for months, yet the neighbors found out about it just three weeks before the first sex predator is due to arrive. We’re talking about a million-dollar home with acreage, facing a small lake popular for water-skiing practice. If state agencies and the vendor really think ankle bracelets will provide adequate security, they should be willing to withstand the scrutiny of their neighbors, local law enforcement agencies, and everyone else concerned with the safety of the community.”
The proposed home would be operated by Supreme Living, a private vendor, to house sex offenders offshored from the state’s Special Commitment Center on McNeil Island. The Special Commitment Center houses sex offenders who have completed their prison sentences but remain in “civil commitment” because of a high likelihood of reoffending. The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) is planning to place sexually violent offenders in communities around the state to address overcrowding at the facility. The Department of Corrections would be responsible when sex offenders walk away from unsecured facilities, such as the Tenino home.
Another solution being made into a problem.
“If state agencies and the vendor really think ankle bracelets will provide adequate security…”
Gee, WI should understand this with their ankle GPS thinking. This as well applies to the rest of the nation when it comes to a registry. But, hey, whatever gets votes…