HB 2349 proposes to notify more community leaders when an offender classified as a sexually violent predator moves into a jurisdiction. The bill has a hearing in the House Community Safety Committee this week.

The bill would require the Department of Social and Health Services to notify a mayor, city administrator or manager, and the city council chair if a sexually violent predator is moving in. It also contains notification requirements for county officials and the district’s legislative delegation. The notifications would be distributed in advance of a conditional release, unconditional discharge, or relocation during a conditional release.

Dates to remember

HB 2349strong> is scheduled for a public hearing in the House Community Safety Committee on Monday, January 26, at 1:30 pm.

New bill increases notifications for sexually violent predator community placements

January 9, 2026

HB 2349, sponsored by Rep. Mari Leavitt (D–University Place), provides broader community notifications when a person who meets the state’s criteria of a sexually violent predator is released, moved, or discharged into a jurisdiction.

Under existing law, the Department of Social and Health Services must send a written notice to the city police chief and county sheriff of the place where the person is moving, as well as the sheriff of the county where the person was last convicted.

The bill expands the list of officials receiving written notifications to the executive authority and administrator or manager of the political subdivision where the person is moving; all legislators from the district; the chair of the city council, if applicable; and the chair of the county’s legislative authority.

No hearing date has been set for the bill.