Bipartisan Burnett bill strengthening supervision of stalkers passes House

‘Protecting victims should never be a partisan issue,’ says Burnett

The Washington State House of Representatives today passed legislation sponsored by Rep. Brian Burnett, R-Wenatchee, to strengthen supervision of individuals convicted of stalking.

House Bill 2510 requires the Department of Corrections to supervise individuals convicted of stalking when they are released into the community under community custody, closing a gap in current law.

“Stalking causes real fear and lasting trauma,” Burnett said. “When someone who has committed this kind of crime is released, there should be real oversight and accountability in place. This bill makes sure victims are not left wondering who is watching out for them.”

Under current law, community custody supervision applies to certain serious offenses, but stalking convictions are not consistently included. HB 2510 ensures those offenders are supervised after release, helping reduce the risk of repeat behavior and strengthening protections for victims.

The bill passed the House unanimously after receiving testimony from victims and advocates in committee.

“Protecting victims should never be a partisan issue,” Burnett said. “This is about prevention, accountability, and making our communities safer.”

House Bill 2510 now moves to the Senate for consideration.

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Washington State House Republican Communications
houserepublicans.wa.gov