Governor Gregoire Signs Legislation to Make Communities Safer

For Immediate Release: May 15, 2007

Governor also signs legislation to protect Washington�s working farms and forests

LAKEWOOD � Governor Chris Gregoire today signed into law a measure to make communities safer. The bill requires that each offender have a plan for employment and treatment prior to their release from Washington prisons and will be held accountable if they violate the terms of their community supervision.

�We cannot continue to build more prisons. We must address the causes of crime and give former offenders the skills and treatment they need to stay out of prison,� said Governor Gregoire. �Our goal must be to stop crime and keep our communities safe.�

The issue of repeat crime is a nationwide problem. In California, 70 percent of offenders commit another crime after they are released from prison, the highest recidivism rate in the country. The national average recidivism rate is 60 percent and, in Washington, the rate is 42 percent.

The bill directs the Department of Corrections (DOC) and local governments to work together to provide services to offenders who have served their sentence and are returning to the community. It requires DOC to address the needs of offenders with education, employment services and treatment programs. The bill also increases employment and housing opportunities for offenders during their transition back into communities. The Washington Institute for Public Policy in 2006 found that investing in these types of programs will reduce recidivism rates. In order to qualify for early release for good behavior, offenders must participate in the programs directed by their Reentry Plan and will face serious consequences if they violate the conditions of their release.

�This bill is not only tough on crime, it�s smart on crime and it will help keep communities safe,� said Governor Gregoire. �Offenders will not be let off the hook.�

Governor Gregoire commended the work of Senators Mike Carrell and Debbie Regala to pass the bill in the Senate and the leadership of DOC Secretary Harold Clarke.

�This is the result of a truly bipartisan effort and I am grateful to Senators Carrell and Regala for seeing this bill through to the end. This is smart legislation and I am proud to sign this bill,� said Governor Gregoire.

Senate Bill 6157, sponsored by Sen. Margarita Prentice (D-Renton), passed the Senate with 41 votes and passed the House with 64 votes. The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the Legislative session.

Governor Gregoire Signs Legislation to Protect Working Farms and Forests

Governor Gregoire today, at the annual Cascade Land Conservancy breakfast, also signed into law a bill to protect Washington�s working farms and forests.

�A robust transfer of development rights program is a valuable and creative tool to keep cities livable and to protect agricultural, forested and rural lands,� said Governor Gregoire. �Special thanks to the Cascade Land Conservancy and their many partners for bringing this bill forward.�

Second Substitute House Bill 1636, sponsored by Rep. Geoff Simpson (D-Kent), passed the House with 91 votes and passed the Senate with 46 votes. The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the Legislative session.

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