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The Issues » Keeping our communities safe

As recent events in Pierce County have demonstrated, we must take thoughtful steps to better protect our families and law enforcement personnel.

Without a doubt, public safety is a core responsibility of government, and I was very pleased with many of the policy changes enacted this past legislative session. As the Ranking Republican on the House Human Services Committee, I am proud to have played a key role on the important public safety proposals that came through our committee.  There is no question that these changes, passed with large bi-partisan support, will make our communities safer.  A few of these key policy changes include:

• Expanded discretion for the judges to deny bail for dangerous criminals.  This included a constitutional amendment that will be before the voters in November.
• Increased penalties for people who “render criminal assistance” to a felony.  This problem was very high profile as result of the horrific murders of our police officers in Lakewood, as well as the murder of Brian and Beverly Mauck in Graham. However, the real force behind this bill was Lisa Moore, in response to the tragic murder of her brother Randy Ferguson, which took place in our District. The law was named in honor of Randy.
• Greater oversight for “not guilty by reason of insanity” verdicts and sentencing.  These stemmed from two other notorious cases, Philip Paul who escaped from Eastern State Hospital and Isaac Zamora, who murdered six people in Skagit County.
• Increased penalties for sex-trafficking of minors.  Sadly, there are people in our state who cruelly exploit minor children.  Senate Bill 6476 dramatically increased the financial and criminal penalties for those who exploit children, and provided better support to get the juvenile victims out of that abusive environment.

These smart, well-reasoned policies that bring about real improvements in our communities represent my focus and efforts in this area.