Washington Bill Proposes Adding Convicted Sex Offender to State Policy Board

Critics Argue Proposal Could Allow Most Dangerous Offenders on Board

Washington House Bill 2177 proposes adding a convicted sex offender and a victim of a sex offense to the State Sex Offender Policy Board, which would be renamed the 'Sex Offense Policy Board'.
The bill is sponsored by Rep. Tarra Simmons, who argues that the perspectives of those who have committed sex offenses can guide the board's policy-making.
Supporters of the bill believe it will allow for greater representation in crafting policies for the conviction and release of sex offenders.
Critics argue that the bill strays from the board's original purpose of allowing neutral voices to make recommendations and could potentially allow the most dangerous sex offenders to serve on the board.
No further action is currently scheduled for HB 2177.