The City of Lakewood is constantly working to create and maintain successful relationships with leaders at the local, state, and federal levels to achieve its goals and provide for its residents.
Below are the City’s priorities when it comes to working with our partners in the county, state, and federal governments. Click here to see your representatives.
2023 Federal Legislative Priorities
Federal Priorities Include:
- Bringing federal funding to Lakewood’s top infrastructure priorities (“Green Street Loop” portion of the Downtown Subarea Plan)
- Bringing federal funding to Lakewood’s top affordable housing priorities (LASA’s “Gravelly Lake Commons” affordable housing project)
- JBLM – McChord Field Clear Zone
- Defense Community Infrastructure Program (DCIP)
- Transportation and Infrastructure Program and Funding
- Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC)
- Medium-Sized City Set Aside
Key Policy One-Pager:
2023 State Legislative Priorities
State Legislative Priorities Include:
- Partnership with Nisqually Indian Tribe on Fort Steilacoom Park Improvements
- LASA Affordable Housing Project
- Public Safety
- Western State Hospital Community Partnership Program
- Geographic Equity in Discharge from State Facilities
Key Policy One-Pagers:
- Partnership with Nisqually Indian Tribe on Fort Steilacoom Park Improvements
- LASA Affordable Housing Project
- Western State Hospital Community Partnership Program
- Geographic Equity in Discharge from State Facilities
A summary of the bills that were introduced during the 2015-2022 legislative sessions pertaining to the safety of residents in adult family homes, as well as related policies:
2015
Sexually Violent Predators Release to County of Origin
House Bill 1059 Rep. Susan Fagan (R-Pullman) Passed
Among many other things, this bill requires the court to consider release to a person’s count of commitment prior to releasing a sexually violent predator to a less restrictive alternative. When the DSHS or the court assists in developing a placement of a person, effort must be made to avoid disproportionate effect on a single county. If the person is not released to his or her county of commitment, the DSHS must provide written notice and an explanation to the law and justice council of the county of placement.
Sexually Violent Predators Release to County of Origin
House Bill 1668 Rep. Christine Kilduff (D- University Place) Did not pass
Senate Bill 5099 Sen. Jeanne Darneille (D- Tacoma) Did not pass
These were companion bills that would have restricted conditional release of sexually violent predators outside their county of origin. Before authorizing the conditional release of a person who is committed as a sexually violent predator, the court would be required to consider whether it would be appropriate for the conditional release to occur in the person’s county of origin (the county that ordered them to be committed). While neither of these bills passed in the form in which they were introduced, HB 1668 made it out of the House and had two hearings in the Senate. The language of these bills was included in House Bill 1059, which passed and was signed by the Governor (see above).
2016
There were no bills introduced in 2016 on this topic.
2017
Adult Family Homes in Residential Neighborhoods
Senate Bill 5060 Sen. Steve O’Ban (R-Tacoma) Did not pass
House Bill 1383 Rep. Dick Muri (R-Steilacoom) Did not pass
These companion bills would have limited the number of adult family homes to no more than 2 homes in a 4 block area of a residential community. City Manager John Caulfield testified in support of the Senate Bill during the public hearing. The bill passed the Senate committee on along party lines but did not advance further. The House bill was never given a hearing.
Adult Family Home Inspection Requirements
House Bill 2027 Rep. Christine Kilduff (D- University Place) Did not pass
This bill would have required that when performing an inspection of an adult family home, the Department of Social & Health Services interview at least 3 neighbors, located within 500 feet of the home, unless such interviews are impractical. The interviews would help ensure that the adult family home’s outdoor areas are well-maintained, and uncluttered without any accumulation of garbage, debris, or offensive odors. These additional interviews provide an opportunity for surrounding neighbors to formally provide feedback to the Department of Social & Health Services on the operation of the adult family home. GTHGA testified in support of this bill at the public hearing on the City’s behalf. The bill died in committee.
2018
Release of Persons Involuntarily Committed
House Bill 2289 Rep. Christine Kilduff (D- University Place) Did not pass
This bill revises the involuntary treatment act regarding the release and commitment of persons involuntary committed after the dismissal of a felony. No later than 7 days prior to the conditional, early or final release of a person initially committed for specific charges, the prosecuting attorney must notify the chief of policy of the city in which the person will reside. At the House public hearing, Assistant Police Chief John Unfred testified in support. The bill passed out of the House but died in the Senate Rules committee.
Release of Violent Offenders
Senate Bill 6466 Sen. Steve O’Ban (R-Tacoma) Did not pass
This bill allows a prosecutor to file for civil commitment of a person charged with a violent felony whose charges are dismissed based on incompetency to stand trial under the same commitment terms as a forensic patient committed under criminal insanity laws. This was an attempt to address the Lawrence Butterfield circumstance where an individual is determined incompetent to stand trial but somehow still could be released from a state facility. The bill prevents release of the individuals referenced above to an adult family home and establishes fair share provisions, so patients committed following dismissal of violent felony charges are released to their county of origin. When the bill was heard in committee, City Manager John Caulfield testified in support of the legislation. The bill was not voted out of committee.
Release of Sexually Violent Predators
Senate Bill 6515 Sen. Steve Conway (D-Lakewood) Did not pass
This bill modifies the legal and geographical review requirements for the conditional release of sexually violent predators to less restrictive alternatives. The bill states that the unavailability of appropriate treatment in the county of commitment shall not be a precluding factor for placement. At a hearing, the state must file with the court and provide to the receiving county, a statistical summary showing by county of commitment and by receiving county, the number of all less restrictive alternative releases for the preceding 5 years. Before approving any release order to other than county of commitment, the state must provide the prospective receiving county with at least 60 days written notice. When the bill was heard in committee, the City signed in support. The bill was voted out of committee but died in Rules.
2019
Adult Family Home Admission
House Bill 1827 Rep. Christine Kilduff (D- University Place) Did not pass
The bill prohibits an adult family home operator from admitting a prospective resident unless the prospective resident is not likely to pose a substantial risk to the health, welfare, and safety of any other resident. Requires a prospective resident to disclose to the AFH operating if he/she has been convicted of a serious violent offense and notification must be given to each existing resident. Prior to admission in an adult family home, a person who is required to register as a sex offender must notify the county sheriff. Prior to admitting a person who has been convicted of a serious violent offense, the AFH provider must notify DSHS and submit an assessment of how the admission will not compromise the health, safety, and welfare of other residents and the security of the home. A yearly assessment is required if the individual is admitted to the AFH. Before licensing an AFH, DSHS must consider the number of existing AFHs within 1,250 foot radius. Requires appropriate training for AFH providers who admit individuals convicted of serious violent offenses. This bill was never scheduled for a public hearing.
Adult Family Home Placements
Senate Bill 5038 Sen. Steve O’Ban (R-Tacoma) Did not pass
The bill limits who can be placed in an adult family home. Individuals committed under the involuntary treatment act where the court has made an affirmative special finding are prohibited from being placed in an AFH. The bill also prohibits a person committed as a sexually violent predator from being placed in an adult family home. Establishes enhanced services facilities as the appropriate long-term care option for sexually violent predators. The bill had a public hearing in the Senate where Councilmember Simpson testified in support but did not advance out of committee.
Equitable Geographic Distribution of Placements
Senate Bill 5040 Sen. Steve O’Ban (R-Tacoma) Did not pass
This bill expands the fair share statute so DSHS would have to consider counties that neighbor the individual’s county of commitment when developing discharge plans. Requires DSHS to provide a report on the availability of less restrictive alternative services available in regional service areas and to procure adequate services within a regional service area if services are not adequate. The bill had a public hearing in the Senate where Councilmember Simpson testified in support but did not advance out of committee.
Long Term Involuntary Treatment Capacity
Senate Bill 5041 Sen. Steve O’Ban (R-Tacoma) Did not pass
This bill requires the Health Care Authority (HCA) to assess the capacity of community hospitals and evaluation and treatment facilities to become certified to provide long-term inpatient care to involuntary patients and purchase such capacity to the extent it is available. The bill had a public hearing but did not advance out of committee.
State Hospital Reentry Program
Senate Bill 5048 Sen. Steve O’Ban (R-Tacoma) Did not pass
This bill expands the Offender Reentry Community Safety Program (ORCSP) to include state hospital patients who have committed acts constituting a violent felony or who are not guilty by reason of insanity. The bill had a public hearing but did not advance out of committee.
2020
Placement of Conditionally Released SVPs
House Bill 1825 Rep. Christine Kilduff (D- University Place) Did not pass
This bill would have required civilly committed sexually violent predators (SVPs) petitioning for conditional release to a less restrictive alternative (LRA) to document efforts to find placement in the county of commitment. The intent of the bill was to: 1) require the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) to review proposed conditional release LRA placement plans and report to the court with potential alternative placements in certain circumstances; 2) impose school-proximity restrictions on residential placements for certain SVPs on LRA orders; 3) modify the criteria that courts must consider in deciding conditional release petitions for SVPs; 4) require community notification of any change of address of a conditionally released SVP; 5) provide that secure community transition facilities may be sited in any county in the state; and 6) implements Department of Health credential waivers for sex offender treatment providers working in under-served counties. City Manager John Caulfield testified in support of this bill at the public hearing. It was voted out of the policy committee and died in the fiscal committee. Many of the policies from this proposal were integrated into Senate Bill 5163 which passed in the 2021 session.
Discharge Planning Process
House Bill 1826 Rep. Mari Leavitt (D-University Place) Did not pass
This bill would require the Department of Social and Health Services to disclose publicly accessible and relevant criminal history for certain persons during the discharge planning process to a less restrictive alternative. The bill passed the House unanimously and had a public hearing in the Senate where Councilmember Brandstetter testified in support. The Hospital Association and the Defender’s Association raised concerns with the proposal, and it ultimately died in the Senate Rules committee.
Admissions Standards for Adult Family Homes
House Bill 1827 Rep. Christine Kilduff (D- University Place) Did not pass
Requires a person who has been convicted of a serious violent offense or sex offense to disclose to the adult family home details of the person’s criminal history before admission to an adult family home. If admitted to the adult family home, the adult family home must provide this information to the residents of the facility. The bill was never given a public hearing.
Sexually Violent Predators
House Bill 2851 Rep. Christine Kilduff (D- University Place) Did not pass
Senate Bill 6640 Sen. Steve O’Ban (R-Tacoma) Did not pass
These companion bills address the placement of SVPs and fair share principles. The bill directs the Department of Health to waive fees for new sex offender treatment providers in an underserved county. The WA State Institute for Public Policy is directed to review and report on the availability of adequate less restrictive alternative services within each county of the state. If any county lacks services, DSHS must present a plan to procure adequate services for LRAs placement consistent with fair share principles. Both bills had public hearings where the city testified in support of the proposal however, neither bill made it out of committee.
Conditional Release of SVPs to Less Restrictive Alternatives
House Bill 2910 Rep. Dan Griffey (R-Allyn) Did not pass
Senate Bill 6436 Sen. Christine Rolfes (D-Bainbridge Island) Did not pass
These companion bills alter the definition of less restrictive alternative (LRA) to exclude adult family homes, thereby precluding the placement of an SVP in an AFH. The legislation requires SVPs requires SVPs who are conditionally released in an LRA to first be placed in a secure community transition facility. The House bill did not have a public hearing. At the Senate Bill’s hearing, Councilmember John Simpson testified in support; the bill died in committee.
2021
Placement and Treatment of Sexually Violent Predators
Senate Bill 5163 Sen. Christine Rolfes (D-Bainbridge Island) Passed
This bill implements recommendations from the Sex Offender Policy Board 2020 report. The bill changes how sexually violent predators are released, including additional efforts to ensure there are not disproportionate effects on any one county. Specifically, the criteria a court must consider before authorizing conditional release to a less restrictive alternative are expanded to include a documented effort was made by DSHS to ensure the placement is consistent with fair share principles of release if DSHS has proposed housing outside the county of commitment.
2022
Equity in Discharge
House Bill 2045 Rep. Dan Bronoske (D-Lakewood) Did not pass
This bill would require individuals that were committed under a finding of incompetence to have a discharge plan that is within the individual’s county of origin, except under specific circumstances. The bill did not have a public hearing.
The City of Lakewood and the Nisqually Indian Tribe are partnering to develop interpretive installations on public lands within the City. These installations feature the unique culture and history of the Nisqually Indian Tribe. The pilot project at Fort Steilacoom Park will add signage, art, and interpretive information throughout the park, providing an introduction to the Nisqually people, Chief Leschi’s legacy and exposure to the Lushootseed language. The total project cost is $300,000, with the City committing $50,000. The City, in partnership with the Nisqually Indian Tribe, is requesting $250,000 to fully fund the historical and cultural enrichments at Fort Steilacoom Park.
Living Access Support Alliance (LASA) provides emergency housing, rapid rehousing and transitional housing in Lakewood, in addition to case management, and a range of other services to prevent homelessness. LASA is planning to construct roughly 25 affordable low- income housing units in Lakewood. LASA is pursuing funding from city, county, state and philanthropic sources with an anticipated groundbreaking in 2024. Pierce County has committed $3.5 million and the City is seeking $2.5 million in federal funding. The City is also considering an allocation of funds to this project. On behalf of LASA, the City requests $500,000 from the capital budget for this project.
The City supports a commonsense and meaningful approach to public safety policies that protect lives and property and do not erode trust in government. Examples include revisiting the crime of possession of a controlled substance, revisiting restrictions on vehicular pursuits, and increasing investments in alternative responses teams, such as the City’s Behavioral Health Contact Team.
Since 2007 the City has operated a highly effective Community Partnership Program (CPP) that creates a safer environment for both the hospital and surrounding neighborhoods. The CPP provides consistency in response to criminal cases, case management and increased safety for hospital patients and staff. The City requests ongoing funding for continued operation of the program.
The City appreciates the State’s recent efforts to move toward a more community-based behavioral health system. This transition presents an opportunity to not only provide more accessible services to those who need it most, but also for the facilities to be more geographically disbursed. Based on the findings from the Residential Facilities report, the State should invest in long term care facilities in all underserved regions of the state. Secondly, building upon the work of the Sex Offender Policy Board, the state should clarify that fair share principles apply to sexually violent predators released from state hospitals and secure community transition facilities.
- Procure additional services (e.g. housing, mental healthcare, etc.) within a regional service area if existing services are not adequate. Consider incentivizing providers in underserved areas.
- Institute fair share policies for discharge planning from state hospitals and secure community transition facilities (expand SB 5163 policies which only apply to the Special Commitment Center).
- Disclose publicly accessible and relevant criminal history to service providers during the discharge planning process.
- Implement Department of Health credential waivers for treatment providers working in underserved counties.
2023 County Legislative Priorities
County Legislative Priorities Include:
- Promoting Middle Housing development such as Accessory Dwelling Units through addressing sewer fees
- Discretionary Spending of Public Health Resources
- Support for the partnership with Pierce County Library System to address the urgent need of permanent and safe library spaces in Lakewood
2023 South Sound Housing Affordability Partners Legislative Priorities
The South Sound Housing Affordability Partners (SSHA3P) is a voluntary collaboration among 14 governments to work together to create and preserve affordable, attainable, and accessible housing throughout Pierce County. Learn more here.
SSHA3P Legislative Priorities Include:
- Support basic infrastructure funding via flexible funds through programs like the Public Works Assistance Account (PWAA) and Connecting Housing to Infrastructure Program (CHIP) to help cities and towns fund basic infrastructure, critical to the development of housing.
- Monitor proposals to increase access to homeownership opportunities, including condominium liability reform and recommendations made by the Homeownership Disparity Workgroup.
- Oppose preemption of local land use authority.
2023 South Sound Military & Communities Partnership (SSMCP) Legislative Agenda
The City of Lakewood is a proud member and leader of the South Sound Military & Communities Partnership (SSMCP). Learn more about the role of Lakewood and SSMCP in the region here.
SSMCP Legislative Priorities Include:
- I-5 Mounts Road to Tumwater& Nisqually River Delta investment project
- Defense Community Compatibility Account improvements
- Occupational Licensing improvements
- Statewide Economic Impact Analysis
2022 Legislative Outcomes
Federal Priorities Include:
- (Accomplished) Bringing federal funding to Lakewood’s top infrastructure priorities (South Tacoma Way roadway improvements)
- (Accomplished) Language changes to National Defense Authorization Act that help the City purchase land more easily in the JBLM – McChord Field North Clear Zone
- Defense Community Infrastructure Program (DCIP)
- Transportation and Infrastructure Program and Funding
- Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC)
- Medium-Sized City Set Aside
State Legislative Priorities Include:
- (Accomplished) Funding for a multimodal I-5 transportation study
- I-5 Main Gate Interchange improvements
- Geographic equity for detainees discharged from state facilities
Key Policy One-Pagers:
- Multimodal Transportation Study
- Main Gate Interchange
- Geographic Equity Discharge from State Facilities
Washington State Department of Transportation identified that the JBLM Main Gate Interchange needs improvement. Currently, the proximity of the at-grade rail crossing to the Lewis North gate is a safety concern and creates backups on I-5 during peak periods. Rebuilding this interchange is important to solve the traffic on I-5 and will improve the lives of Lakewood residents and business owners.
The City is asking for money to fund a study of the transportation on I-5. This study will include the area of I-5 from Dupont to Lakewood and would find ways to improve multimodal transportation in this area. If completed, this study would support the movement of people through the South Sound corridor. Many organizations support the study, including Sound Transit, JBLM, Pierce Transit, Lakewood Water District, West Pierce Fire & Rescue, and the Clover Park School District.
The City appreciates the State’s recent efforts to move toward a more community-based health system. Patients come from all over the state to Western State Hospital in Lakewood. Over time, this has caused Lakewood to shoulder an unfair share of the responsibility to care for and treat patients. Individuals are released from state facilities into less restrictive alternatives (LRAs) at a higher rate than other communities in the state. Additionally, individuals are placed in LRAs that do not have the means to care for them.
Lakewood is asking that the State establishes policies to ensure fair responsibility for individuals discharged from State facilities. This includes individuals with a criminal record.
Proposed Solutions
- Institute fair share policies for discharge planning from state hospitals for individuals that have a history of one or more violent acts (extend SB 5163 policies, that only apply to the Special Commitment Center, to state hospitals)
- Disclose publicly accessible and relevant criminal history for certain persons during the discharge planning process
- Be required to provide a report on the availability of less restrictive alternative services in regional service areas
- Procure additional services (e.g. housing, mental healthcare, etc.) within a regional service area if existing services are not adequate
- Implement Department of Health credential waivers for treatment providers working in underserved counties
- I-5 Mounts Road to Tumwater& Nisqually River Delta investment project
- Defense Community Compatibility Account improvements
- Occupational Licensing improvements
2022 County Legislative Priorities Include:
- I-5 Mounts Road to Tumwater& Nisqually River Delta investment project
- Defense Community Compatibility Account improvements
- Occupational Licensing improvements