Democrat policies in Washington state are facing criticism as a less restrictive alternative housing site has been proposed for housing up to five sexually violent predators in Kennewick, which has large population of children.

In a press release last week, Republican lawmakers in Washington warned that a home in Kennewick is currently being considered for potential housing for up to five sexually violent predators. The Post Millennial reported that the potential placement of the sexually violent predators in Kennewick is located within a two-mile radius of schools and child care facilities that have an attendance of over 7,400 children.

According to The Post Millennial, the proposed placement of the sexually violent predators in Kennewick has led to significant pushback from the community and has led to criticism of the Democrat-run state policies regarding the release process of sexually violent predators. The outlet noted that sexually violent predators are individuals convicted of sexual offenses who are determined to have a mental or personality disorder that would likely result in them committing more offenses if not confined.

The Post Millennial reported that the policies supported by Democrat lawmakers in Washington allow courts and the Department of Social and Health Services to place sexually violent predators in community-based housing once they are considered eligible for conditional release.

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“People are angry because they feel blindsided and forced to accept a proposed placement decision by the state without their consent,” Rep. April Connors (R-Kennewick) said. “I’m so proud of our community for standing up and speaking out so boldly. Neighborhoods with children should not be treated as dumping grounds for dangerous individuals who have committed some of the most heinous crimes imaginable.”

Connors has sponsored legislation backed by Rep. Stephanie Barnard (R-Pasco) and Sen. Matt Boehnke (R-Kennewick) to provide better security and transparency for local communities with regard to the placement of sexually violent predators.

“Their goal is to close what they describe as dangerous gaps in existing statutes that enable administrative convenience over the safety of Washington families,” the recent press release stated.

Connors’ legislation would require the supervising community corrections officers of sexually violent predators to be based near the predator’s residential placement; the establishment of a “safety buffer” between the placement and schools, child care facilities, and recreational facilities; and notification to local officials and law enforcement regarding the placement of sexually violent predators.

Meanwhile, Barnard has introduced legislation to prevent the state from utilizing less restrictive alternative housing for predators next to homes with minors, to prevent placements within the line-of-sight of schools and child care facilities, and to provide better protection for communities with “high concentrations of children.”

“This legislative package forces accountability, expands safety protections, and gives local communities a real voice,” Connors stated. “We must put families and public safety ahead of bureaucracy.”