OLYMPIA —Sen. Matt Boehnke, R-Kennewick, criticized the Senate’s approval of Substitute House Bill 1390, which would eliminate Washington’s Community Protection Program without adopting reasonable safeguards to protect communities.
The 8th District lawmaker noted that several amendments offered during debate would have strengthened public safety protections as participants transition out of the program, but those proposals were rejected.
“I’m deeply disappointed the Senate chose to eliminate the Community Protection Program without adopting reasonable safeguards to protect our communities,” said Boehnke.
The Community Protection Program provides supervision, risk assessments, and treatment and support services for certain individuals with developmental disabilities who have been charged with or are convicted of violent or sexually violent crimes, or who have a history of stalking, violent, sexually violent, or predatory behavior and are determined by a qualified professional to pose a current risk to others.
SHB 1390 repeals the statutes that establish and govern the program and directs the Department of Social and Health Services to transition all current participants into other services or programs.
Boehnke said repealing the program without clearly defined alternatives raises serious questions about how those individuals will be safely transitioned.
“Supporters say individuals will simply move into other programs, but the bill itself does not clearly spell out what those programs are, who will oversee the transition, or what safeguards will be in place for staff, vulnerable individuals, and the communities where these placements may occur,” Boehnke said. “When public safety is involved, those protections should be written into law, not left to be figured out later.”
During floor debate, Boehnke and his legislative colleagues offered amendments to maintain key protections as individuals transition out of the program. One proposal would have required individuals leaving the program to remain at least 500 feet away from schools, child care centers, and other places where children gather. Another would have required the state’s transition plan to include safeguards for service providers, other individuals with developmental disabilities, and surrounding communities.
“These amendments were about balance, making sure people receive appropriate care while also protecting communities,” Boehnke said. “Unfortunately, those reasonable safeguards were rejected.”
Boehnke also noted that part of the debate centered on objections to the program’s name.
“I heard members say the title ‘community protection’ was offensive to them,” Boehnke continued. “I don’t understand that. Protecting our communities while ensuring people receive the treatment and services they need should never be controversial.”
Boehnke said the Legislature should focus on reforming the program rather than eliminating it entirely.
“A 2021 report identified areas where the program could be improved,” Boehnke concluded. “Rather than reform the program and strengthen oversight, the majority chose to eliminate it and reject amendments that would have preserved critical safeguards. Washington families deserve policies that protect communities.”
Among the amendments rejected during debate were proposals to strengthen safeguards in the transition plan and maintain oversight for higher-risk individuals, including:
Amendment 873, Sen. Matt Boehnke
Amendment 875, Sen. Matt Boehnke
Amendment 876, Sen. Nikki Torres
Amendment 877, Sen. Nikki Torres
Amendment 868, Sen. Keith Wagoner
The 2026 legislative session is scheduled to conclude on March 12.
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