Stalking oversight bill advances to senate

OLYMPIA — House Bill 2510, the bipartisan proposal aimed at strengthening supervision of individuals convicted of stalking, has cleared the Washington State House of Representatives.

The measure passed unanimously, 97–0, and now moves to the Senate for consideration.

The legislation, sponsored by Rep. Brian Burnett, R-Wenatchee, and co-sponsored by Democrats Lauren Davis, Roger Goodman, and Gerry Pollet, along with Republican Dan Griffey, requires the Department of Corrections to supervise individuals convicted of stalking when they are released into the community under community custody. Current law applies supervision requirements to certain serious offenses, but stalking convictions are not consistently included.

Burnett said after the vote that the bill closes that gap.

“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.”

Supporters have argued the change is intended to reduce the risk of repeat behavior while strengthening protections for victims. The proposal received testimony from victims and advocates during committee hearings before advancing to the House floor.

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

The unanimous House vote reflects the bipartisan support the measure has drawn since its introduction earlier this session.

If approved by the Senate and signed into law, HB 2510 would require supervision of stalking offenders upon release, aligning those convictions more consistently with other offenses that carry community custody requirements.

Andrew Simpson: 509-433-7626 or andrew@ward.media