Lynnwood Today presents the Daily Legislative Report, covering the 2021 Washington State Legislature. The House Health Care & Wellness Committee heard public testimony on Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill 5304, which would provide re-entry services to persons released from state and local institutions. The bill passed the Senate 48-0 on March 5, and would have to pass the House, in order to make its way to the Governor’s Office, to be signed into law.
For more information on Senate Bill 5403 – https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5304&Year=2021&Initiative=false
For more complete information on any legislation, including sponsors, a synopsis, and fiscal note, visit the Washington State Legislature’s bill information webpage:
https://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo
While there are many facets in this bill, one thing I find extremely objectionable is the renaming of convicted people from “offenders” to “persons”. For example, the Kitsap County man accused of sexual misconduct with the 12 year old Lynnwood girl, IF convicted, this would change his status from “sexual offender” to “person”. I’m sorry, but he (and others that have been found guilty of crimes) ARE offenders. I have “persons” as neighbors, I want to know if they are “offenders”.