Bad Bills We Stopped
Reducing accountability for sex offenders who fail to register
House Bill 2403 significantly reduces the penalties for sex offenders who repeatedly fail to register with law enforcement. Currently, a first offense is a Class C felony, but subsequent offenses are classified as Class B felonies to reflect the severity of chronic non-compliance. This bill eliminates that enhancement, keeping even the tenth offense as a lower-level Class C felony.
It also strikes “failure to register” (second or subsequent offense) from the sentencing seriousness level grid, effectively lowering the standard sentencing range for offenders who hide from the community.
Finally, the bill directs the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs to identify opportunities for “remote registration,” which could eliminate the requirement that offenders appear in person to verify their status and location.
Why is this a bad policy?
- It incentivizes dangerous sex offenders to go “off the grid.” The sex offender registry is Washington’s primary tool for tracking convicted predators in our neighborhoods. By slashing the penalty for repeat failure to register, this bill destroys the deterrent for offenders who choose to hide from authorities, effectively signaling that hiding from the law is a low-risk gamble.
- It treats chronic, intentional non-compliance the same as a first-time mistake. Under current law, offenders face escalating penalties for repeated failure to register, reflecting the recognition that chronic evasion warrants stricter punishment. The bill abolishes this escalation entirely, meaning an offender’s tenth intentional failure to register is treated with the same leniency as their very first offense.
- It undermines the “eyes-on” philosophy that keeps communities safe. Section 8 of the bill pushes for “remote registration,” a dangerous shift that would allow sex offenders to register via computer or phone instead of in person. This removes a critical touchpoint for law enforcement to visually verify the offender’s physical presence, condition, and compliance, replacing actual oversight with digital complacency.
- It prioritizes offender convenience over victim safety. The stated intent of the bill is to modify provisions consistent with the “sex offender policy board,” focusing on streamlining processes for the offender rather than strengthening protections for the community. This legislation places the administrative ease of convicted sex offenders above the peace of mind of the families they have harmed.
Bottom line
HB 2403 weakens our sex offender registry by reducing penalties for repeat offenders who hide from the law and paving the way for remote registration that removes law enforcement oversight.
Last updated: April 10, 2026 - 11:20 am
Timeline:
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NO FURTHER ACTION TAKEN DURING THE 2026 LEGISLATIVE SESSION
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Referred to the House Rules Committee on Feb. 9
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Executive action taken (moved from committee) in the House Appropriations Committee (executive session) at 10:30 a.m. om Feb. 6
- Voted out of committee 17-12.
- Watch the committee vote here.
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Public hearing in the House Appropriations Committee at 4:00 p.m. on Feb. 2
- Send a comment to your state legislators on your position.
- Get email notifications about this bill.
- Watch the committee hearing on TVW.
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Executive action taken (moved from committee) in the House Community Safety Committee (executive session) at 8:00 a.m. on Jan. 22
- Voted out of committee 6-3.
- Watch the committee vote here.
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Public hearing in the House Community Safety Committee at 4:00 p.m. on Jan. 20
- Send a comment to your state legislators on your position.
- Get email notifications about this bill.
- Watch the committee hearing on TVW.
