SB 5854 Washington Senate · 2025-2026 Regular Session

Modifying procedures for releasing sexually violent predators to less restrictive alternative placements.

SB 5854 modifies Washington state procedures for releasing sexually violent predators from secure facilities to community-based treatment settings. It requires courts to consider "fair share principles" before approving such releases, meaning counties must have adequate local placement options proportional to their population of committed individuals. The bill also gives counties the authority to reject placements from other counties if the proposed location violates these fair share requirements. This applies to individuals committed under Washington’s sexually violent predator laws and aims to balance the geographic burden of community placements. The bill does not change release criteria for individuals but alters the administrative process for where they may be placed.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Dec 2025
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Dec 8, 2025 Last action Jan 12, 2026