Bipartisan group backs Burnett effort to strengthen oversight of stalkers

OLYMPIA — A bipartisan bill sponsored by Brian Burnett, R-Wenatchee, advanced out of committee this week, moving one step closer to requiring stronger supervision of individuals convicted of stalking after they are released into the community.

House Bill 2510 would require the Washington Department of Corrections to supervise people convicted of stalking when they are placed on community custody. Under current law, the department is required to supervise individuals for certain serious offenses, but stalking convictions are not consistently included in that category.

Burnett, who represents the 12th Legislative District, said the bill addresses a gap that has left victims feeling vulnerable once an offender’s sentence is complete.

“Stalking causes real fear, real trauma, and long-term harm,” Burnett said. “For too long, victims have been left wondering if anyone is watching out for them once an offender is back in the community. This bill helps make sure there is real oversight, real accountability, and real consequences when conditions are violated.”

The measure has drawn support from lawmakers in both parties. Cosponsors include Democrats Lauren Davis of the 32nd District, Roger Goodman of the 45th District, and Gerry Pollet of the 46th District, along with Republican Dan Griffey of the 35th District.

Burnett framed the legislation as both an accountability and prevention measure.

“This is about stopping repeat offenses before they happen,” he said. “When there are clear conditions, active supervision, and meaningful follow-up, we reduce the risk of someone reoffending and putting another person through the same nightmare. That makes our communities safer and gives victims greater peace of mind.”

He said testimony from victims and advocates helped shape the bill and contributed to the bipartisan support it received in committee.

“One of the most powerful parts of this process has been hearing directly from victims who had the courage to speak up,” Burnett said. “Their voices helped drive this bill forward, and the bipartisan support shows that protecting victims is not a partisan issue. It is a shared responsibility.”

Because the bill has now cleared its policy committee, it must next pass through a fiscal committee before reaching the House floor. The deadline for bills to pass out of the House is Feb. 17, at which point HB 2510 would move to the Senate for consideration. If approved by both chambers, the governor would have until April 4 to sign the measure into law.

Andrew Simpson: 509-433-7626 or andrew@ward.media