This bill seeks to enhance community safety by prohibiting the placement of sexually violent predators in less restrictive alternatives within areas that have a high concentration of children. It amends existing laws to require that any such placement must be verified by the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) to ensure that the ratio of adults to children within a 500-foot radius exceeds three to one. This measure aims to reduce the potential risk to children in these neighborhoods. Furthermore, the bill establishes specific conditions that must be met before a court can authorize a conditional release, including compliance with the adult-to-child ratio, the qualifications of the treatment provider, and the requirement for supervision of the individual.

In addition to these safety measures, the bill outlines the responsibilities of social workers in assisting individuals transitioning from total confinement to community treatment. Social workers are required to help individuals with benefit applications, facilitate care transitions, and locate necessary resources for life skills, with this transition occurring no later than 15 days before release. The bill also mandates that service providers submit monthly compliance reports to relevant stakeholders and requires the court to review each case within one year of release, with annual reviews thereafter to determine the appropriateness of continued conditional release and any necessary modifications to the release order.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 71.09.020, 71.09.092, 71.09.096