OLYMPIA – As chair of the House Public Safety Committee, Rep. Roger Goodman (D-Kirkland) often hears moving, painful stories from crime victims testifying about their experiences. Those stories have motivated Goodman to sponsor and pass two key pieces of legislation protecting victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.
For many years Rep. Goodman has worked intensively to reduce domestic violence, and this year he sponsored House Bill 1632, which increases accountability for repeat domestic violence offenders. These repeat offenders are some of the most dangerous people in our communities, often committing other violent crimes. HB 1632 makes sure repeat offenders are appropriately punished—and supervised after their release—to prevent them from victimizing others again. The legislation passed the House with an overwhelming bipartisan vote of 91 to 2.
Rep. Goodman has also focused his efforts on reducing the chronic societal problem of sexual assault. He has sponsored House Bill 2033, which helps sexual assault victims by strengthening the sexual assault protection order. These protection orders currently expire after two years, forcing the victim to return to court to renew the order, a process which often re-traumatizes the victim. Rep. Goodman’s bill allows for permanent sexual assault protection orders so victims don’t have to worry about proving they need protection from their assailant every two years. HB 2033 passed with the House with strong bipartisan support, 64 to 33.
“We need to protect victims better, whether it’s from violence in the home or from sexual assault. Let’s go the extra mile and get these bills passed and on to the governor’s desk,” said Rep. Goodman.
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