State Senate passes bill that would create a pilot program
Marlene Feist, Communications, (509) 625-6505
Wednesday, March 6, 2019 at 5:09 p.m.
Washington Senate Bill 5492, which would authorize a Pilot Program of Supervision for Motor Vehicle-Related Felonies, cleared another hurdle this week when it passed through the full State Senate.
The bipartisan bill, sponsored by Senators Andy Billig, Mike Padden, Jamie Pedersen, Jeff Holy and Manka Dhingra, passed would allow for community supervision for offenders who commit motor vehicle-related felonies. The Mayor, City Council, Spokane Police Department along with partners at Spokane County, and the Spokane Regional Law and Justice Council have been working with state legislators on this priority.
“This is an important bill to help those re-entering society from prison to be successful and increase public safety in our community,” said Senator Billig. “I appreciate the partnership with the City of Spokane as we have worked to on this legislation over the past two years and look forward to passing it into law this session.”
“I am so encouraged by the full bi-partisan support of this bill. This unanimous vote from the Senate gives us great momentum as we head to the House of Representatives for consideration,” says Council Member Candace Mumm. “I want to thank Senator Billig and our other Senators from the Spokane area for working to expand this supervision bill statewide. Spokane citizens have been hit particularly hard by property crime thieves. Taking this program statewide makes sense and will make it much more effective.”
“Thanks to a great partnership, we are closer to our goal of becoming the safest city of our size as outlined in our joint Administration-City Council Strategic Plan,” says Mayor David Condon. Through innovation, collaboration, and a strong vision, we will are improving public safety for all our citzens and helping to break the cycle of re-offending.”
Washington is the only state that does not have supervision for property crimes. Community supervision can add structure for offenders re-entering the system and connect them with services including drug treatment, education and job training.
