In Washington, Representative Mike Hope (R-Lake Stevens, Snohomish Leg District 44) introduced House Bill 1724. This bill will toughen sentencing for first-time offenders convicted of child abuse. The penalty will be raised from 8 – 10 years to 10 – 18 years. Eight years of the sentence must be served behind bars regardless of good behavior. Repeat offenders will be sentenced up to 33 years in prison. A portion of Bill 1724 will also prevent convicted child abusers from working or volunteering with children under the age of 13.
Bill 1724 will be heard before the Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Committee. It has bipartisan support.