Bill is in response to assault of 9th-grader by a classmate registered as a juvenile sex offender
Rep. Kirk Pearson, R-Monroe, introduced House Bill 1208 to strengthen existing law that allows parents and guardians of students attending public schools access to information on dangerous juvenile sex offenders attending their childrens’ schools. The proposal is in response to the assault of a female special education student last year by a classmate who is a registered juvenile sex offender.
Pearson was the sponsor of the original bill in 2005 that addressed parental notification of juvenile sex offenders attending schools. But, he said, the measure was watered down through the committee process and clearly needs to be updated in light of last year’s incident.
“This is about updating our laws to empower parents to make informed choices and have all the information needed to take precautions that are in the best interests of their children,” said Pearson, Republican leader on the House Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Committee. “There are hundreds of juvenile sex offenders attending public schools statewide, and I think parents should be aware of who is the classroom with their child. My bill would make sure parents are informed about what potential risks may be at the schools their kids attend.”
Pearson added that his bill is not an attempt to stigmatize a juvenile sex offender or make him or her uncomfortable.
“Washington state has strong anti-bullying laws to protect students from harassment,” Pearson explained. “If a juvenile offender is being bothered by students because of his or her past criminal record, we have laws in place that will protect them. The Legislature has made it clear we will not stand for that type of behavior in our schools, no matter what the situation.”
Under current law, there is no requirement that school administrators notify parents of a registered juvenile sex offender in the school. Pearson’s bill addresses this issue.
House Bill 1208 would require the school district or public safety department of an institution of higher education to notify in writing the following people if a registered sex offender classified as a risk level II or III enrolls in the school: parents and legal guardians; students who are 18 years-old or older; and all school personnel who may observe or come into contact with the student.
Additionally, the school’s notice would be required to include the student's name, crime of conviction and the sentence imposed, as well as a link to a local law enforcement Web site where people can obtain further information. The bill would amend the registration statute to require the offender to provide conviction information at the time of enrollment in the school.
“I truly believe information is power when it comes to protecting our children,” Pearson said. “Having had four children in the state’s education system, I can honestly say the ability for me to obtain critical safety information about my child’s school is something I think should be basic. My bill would give parents and school personnel the peace of mind to know what safety risks are present and what plans are in place to address dangerous offenders in schools.”
House Bill 1208 is scheduled to receive a public hearing at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, January 26, in the House Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Committee.
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