Legislation sponsored by state Rep. Brian Burnett, R-Wenatchee, to strengthen supervision of individuals convicted of stalking passed out of committee this week, according to a news release from the lawmaker.
House Bill 2510 would require the state Department of Corrections to supervise individuals convicted of stalking when they are released into the community while under probation.
Burnett said the bill addresses a dangerous gap in Washington’s criminal justice system that has left too many victims feeling unprotected after an offender’s sentence is complete, the release stated.
“Stalking causes real fear, real trauma and long-term harm,” Burnett said. “For too long, victims have been left wondering if anyone is watching out for them once an offender is back in the community. This bill helps make sure there is real oversight, real accountability and real consequences when conditions are violated.”
Under current law, the Department of Corrections is required to supervise individuals in community custody for certain serious offenses, but stalking convictions are not consistently included in that category.
HB 2510 closes that gap by ensuring that individuals convicted of stalking receive appropriate supervision after release, according to the release.
Burnett said the bill is about prevention as much as accountability.
“This is about stopping repeat offenses before they happen,” Burnett said. “When there are clear conditions, active supervision and meaningful followup, we reduce the risk of someone reoffending and putting another person through the same nightmare. That makes our communities safer and gives victims greater peace of mind.”
The bill received strong bipartisan support in committee and was shaped by testimony from victims and advocates who shared their personal experiences.
“One of the most powerful parts of this process has been hearing directly from victims who had the courage to speak up,” Burnett said. “Their voices helped drive this bill forward, and the bipartisan support shows that protecting victims is not a partisan issue. It is a shared responsibility.”
House Bill 2510 now moves forward in the legislative process for further consideration.
Burnett said he will continue working with colleagues, advocates and community members to strengthen protections for victims and families across Washington, the release stated.
The deadline for bills to pass through the policy committees to which they are assigned was Feb. 4.
