Governor Gregoire Signs Measures to Protect Children and Increase Public Safety

For Immediate Release: March 20, 2006

OLYMPIA � Governor Chris Gregoire today signed into law a number of bills that will protect children and increase safety in Washington communities. House Bill 3277 authorizes special verdicts for specified offenses against children and Senate Bill 6319 changes provisions for sex offender registrations.

�This is landmark legislation that will increase the safety of all Washington�s citizens and I applaud the Legislature for their efforts in this area,� said Governor Gregoire. �These bills increase the penalties for those who victimize our children and sends a clear message that there are serious consequences for those who commit such crimes.�

For information on all bill action, please visit Governor Gregoire's website or the Washington Legislature website.

Legislation signed at 11:00 a.m. today by Governor Gregoire:

House Bills:
�2407, 2409, 2576, 2654, 3252 and 3277.

Senate Bills:
�5042, 6144, 6172, 6319, 6320, 6325, 6406, 6460, 6519, 6576, 6580 and 6775.


###