“Start Raising Money to litigate against sex offender home”
- Reagan Dunn, King County Council, District 9 -
The Legal Strategy
Save Our Children – Enumclaw is working on several legal strategies to help keep sexually violent predators out of neighborhoods and protect communities. One key strategy is the implementation of conditional use permits. These permits require a thorough review process before a Less Restrictive Alternative (LRA) facility can be established. As part of this process, the potential location of the facility is carefully evaluated to ensure it is not within 500 feet of spaces where minors congregate, such as schools, libraries, school bus stops and parks. This restriction plays a crucial role in safeguarding children and maintaining the security of neighborhoods.
Another legal strategy involves public engagement and notification. Washington State law is void of the requirement of a public meeting to be held at least two weeks in advance of proposing the location for an LRA facility. This would allow the impacted community to be informed and have a voice in the decision-making process. By ensuring that the affected residents are aware of the potential placement and have an opportunity to provide feedback, this strategy fosters transparency and empowers the community to advocate for their safety and well-being.
These legal strategies work by holding the owners of these homes accountable to existing laws in tandem with the rights of communities and establish measures that prioritize the protection of vulnerable populations. By employing these approaches, Save Our Children - Enumclaw aims to strike a balance between the legal rights of sexually violent predators while also ensuring the safety and peace of mind of its neighborhoods are prioritized.
Legislative Progress
2023 Legislation worked on during session and not passed:
Save Our Children Enumclaw actively collaborated with state legislators on several pieces of legislation during the 2023 session. A significant piece of legislation aimed at improving the siting of less restrictive alternative facilities. This bill would have established a work group dedicated to enhancing public safety and incorporating community input in the decision-making process regarding the placement of these facilities.
One of the key provisions in legislation is the creation of a work group that will focus on recommending improvements for the siting of these facilities. This work group will diligently assess various factors, including public safety considerations and community feedback, to ensure that future facility placements prioritize the well-being of our neighborhoods.
This proactive approach demonstrates the commitment of state legislators to swiftly address community concerns and prioritize public safety.
We extend our gratitude to the state legislators who have championed these important bills. Together, we will continue to advocate for responsible decision-making and ensure that the siting of less restrictive alternative facilities is carried out with the utmost consideration for public safety and community input.
Budget Proviso passed by both chambers then vetoed by Gov. Inslee:
Save Our Children Enumclaw was deeply disappointed to learn that Governor Inslee decided to veto the budget proviso regarding the Department of Social & Health Services' Community Notice and Consultation on Placement of Sexually Violent Predators. While we respect the governor's decision-making process, we strongly believe that these provisos were crucial in ensuring community safety and transparency in the placement of Less Restrictive Alternatives (LRAs) for sexually violent predators throughout the state.
We understand that the Special Commitment Center program of the Department of Social and Health Services may find these provisos administratively burdensome. However, it is essential to recognize that the administrative tasks involved in community notice and consultation are necessary to protect our communities and allow for effective decision-making.
Save Our Children Enumclaw remains committed to advocating for the safety of all communities and ensuring that proper measures are in place to address the placement of sexually violent predators. We will continue to engage with stakeholders, including the Department of Social and Health Services, to find alternative solutions that prioritize community safety while minimizing administrative burdens. It is our hope that through open dialogue and collaborative efforts, we can work towards effective and responsible practices for the placement of LRAs in Washington State.
Budget Proviso that was passed and signed by Gov. Inslee:
Save Our Children Enumclaw is pleased to announce that our collaborative efforts with key legislators have resulted in the signing of a budget proviso that should have a significant impact on the implementation and monitoring of less restrictive alternative (LRA) placements. This proviso allocates $125,000 from the general fund for the fiscal year 2024, specifically designated for the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) to undertake crucial activities and make recommendations for future frameworks.
The designated funds will enable DSHS to explore regulatory options for conditional release LRA placements, collaborating with the Department of Corrections to ensure a comprehensive approach. Additionally, agency policies regarding communication and engagement with local governments will be reviewed and refined, focusing on improving public-facing communications about county fair share status and projected future needs. The department will also identify opportunities for greater collaboration and potential fiscal support for local government entities involved in LRA placements, while providing recommendations to enhance cost-effectiveness across all LRA placements.
As part of the proviso, DSHS is required to submit a comprehensive report to the governor and the legislature's appropriate fiscal and policy committees by December 1, 2023. This report will provide a summary of the outcomes, additional recommendations, and an overview of costs associated with contracted and uncontracted LRA placements. Save Our Children Enumclaw will actively monitor the progress of these initiatives and ensure that the community's voice is represented throughout the process.
Through continued engagement and advocacy, we remain committed to safeguarding our community and promoting responsible, transparent practices in the placement of LRAs. We extend our gratitude to the legislators who worked alongside us to secure these critical funds and look forward to the positive impact this proviso will have on improving the overall effectiveness and cost-efficiency of LRA placements in our state.
Contact your district representatives
Garden House is just one of 24 LRA’s Currently operating within the State of Washington. Currently, Laws Regarding LRA’s do not have Licensing requirements, training prerequisites or rent caps. The owner of an LRA doesn’t have to contract with DSHS for oversight and there is zero community notification requirement. In fact, when Garden house began operation the only notice the community received was the presence of a Department of Corrections vehicle parked in the driveway. With the “Fair Share Principle” passed in 2021 more LRA’s will be coming to more neighborhoods and under current RCW they could become your next-door neighbor and you will never be informed.
Representatives from Enumclaw attempted to introduce 3 pieces of legislation during the 2023 legislative session. HB1734, HB1813 and SB5544. Both House Bills failed in the committee of Community Safety, Justice, & Reentry because the Committee chair Roger Goodman refused to bring the matter to a vote. The Senate Bill Suffered the same fate in the Human Services Committee. But at the end of the day we need so much more than a moratorium and community notification.
We Need Licensing: The owner of an LRA should be required to meet licensing requirements to host Level 3 Sexually Violent Predators the same way a Paddle Boarder is required to supply a license to play in the puget sound.
We Need more Boundries: What is the difference between a daycare facility and a mom of 3 living next door to a predator. Yet only Schools and Daycares are considered when placing an LRA in a neighborhood.
We need more training: Currently the only training requirement is a 2 day course for Chaperones to escort an SVP through your community.
We need Community involvement: The community should be informed from day one of the intent to form an LRA in their Neighborhood. Not the day he moves in next door.
We Need Your Help: Contact your local Representatives before you become a Neighbor to the next LRA placement.