Radio Report: Burnett bill strengthens supervision of convicted stalkers

February 3, 2026

A bipartisan bill from a former county sheriff turned state lawmaker aims to better protect stalking victims after offenders are released back into the community. John Sattgast reports from Olympia.

SATTGAST: Lawmakers are advancing House Bill 2510, sponsored by Republican Representative Brian Burnett of Wenatchee, a former Chelan County sheriff, requiring supervision of people convicted of stalking when they leave prison.

Supporters say the change closes a gap in current law and helps prevent repeat crimes while giving victims greater peace of mind.

BURNETT: “These victims are not sleeping well at night. They’re going through the life that is just causing undue, a lot of times post-traumatic stress, but just stress in their lives and they should be free of that.”

SATTGAST: Burnett says stalking is not a one-time offense and victims often live in fear long after a conviction.

BURNETT: “These aren’t crimes that something says, well gee, I didn’t understand, or I didn’t know. They’ve been put in this place. They understand through, I think a good probable cause for conviction.”

SATTGAST: The measure passed the Community Safety Committee on Monday with bipartisan support.
John Sattgast, the state Capitol.