Dammeier Bill Addressing Housing Vouchers for Offenders Clears Senate

Yesterday, the Senate unanimously approved a measure sponsored by Sen. Bruce Dammeier that would address a topic of concern for many 25th District citizens.

Senate Bill 5105 outlines the conditions that the state Department of Corrections must adhere to when issuing housing vouchers to offenders, an earned benefit of good behavior, according to a press release from Dammeier's office.

"This bill has undergone several revisions but I am pleased with the final product and I think it will serve our state well," said Dammeier, R-Puyallup. "I want communities to feel safe and I want offenders to have the proper support they need to be successful upon transition back into society."

The approved measure broadens the criteria to include all offenders, not just sex offenders. The department must perform a risk assessment of the offender and the offender is required to provide a release plan containing approved living arrangements. Rental vouchers can only be provided in conjunction with transitional support and must utilize a housing provider from an approved list. The compatibility of surrounding neighborhoods is taken into consideration before a housing provider is placed on the department’s list.  

A bill with similar intent, House Bill 1232, has not yet received a hearing in the House Appropriations Committee. Dammeier’s measure now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration.