RCW 9.94A.123
Legislative finding and intent -- Commitment of felony sexual offenders after July 1, 1987.

The legislature finds that the sexual offender treatment programs at western and eastern state hospitals, while not proven to be totally effective, may be of some benefit in positively affecting the behavior of certain sexual offenders. Given the significance of the problems of sexual assault and sexual abuse of children, it is therefore appropriate to review and revise these treatment efforts.

At the same time, concerns regarding the lack of adequate security at the existing programs must be satisfactorily addressed. In an effort to promote public safety, it is the intent of the legislature to transfer the responsibility for felony sexual offenders from the department of social and health services to the department of corrections.

Therefore, on and after July 1, 1987, no person convicted of a felony sexual offense may be committed under RCW 9.94A.120(7)(b) to the department of social and health services at eastern state hospital or western state hospital. Any person committed before July 1, 1987, to the department of social and health services under RCW 9.94A.120(7)(b) and still in the custody of the department of social and health services on June 30, 1993, shall be transferred to the custody of the department of corrections. On and after July 1, 1987, any person eligible for evaluation or treatment under RCW 9.94A.120(7)(b) shall be committed to the department of corrections.

[1986 c 301 § 1. Recodified in 2001 as RCW 9.94A.830.]