Bill > SB5941

This bill makes several changes to the placement and treatment of conditionally released sexually violent predators in Washington. Key provisions include: 1. Requiring the Department of Social and Health Services to review and provide an assessment of a committed person's proposed less restrictive alternative placement plan prior to a conditional release hearing. This includes investigating the availability of appropriate placements within the county of commitment. 2. Prohibiting the placement of a conditionally released person within one-quarter mile of any public or private school if the person was convicted or found not guilty by reason of insanity of an offense with a victim under the age of 18. 3. Requiring the court to consider the county prosecutor's objection to a proposed placement outside the county of commitment prior to approving the placement. 4. Authorizing the state to site and operate secure community transition facilities in any county in the state, while requiring the Department of Social and Health Services to work with local governments to achieve an equitable geographic distribution of such facilities. 5. Adding a new provision to waive credential fees for sex offender treatment providers in underserved counties to facilitate the equitable geographic distribution of conditional releases. The overall intent is to improve the placement and treatment of conditionally released sexually violent predators, with a focus on ensuring appropriate placements and an equitable distribution of facilities and services across the state.

Justice

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5941&Year=2019&Initiative=false