The following is from a release by the office of Rep. Roger Goodman:

As chair of the House Public Safety Committee, Rep. Roger Goodman (D-Kirkland) often hears moving, painful stories from crime victims testifying about their experiences. Those stories motivated Goodman to sponsor two pieces of legislation protecting victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.

Goodman sponsored House Bill 1632, which increases accountability for repeat domestic violence offenders. The Bill makes sure repeat offenders are appropriately punished — and supervised after their release — to prevent them from victimizing others again. The legislation passed the House with an overwhelming bipartisan vote of 91-2.

Goodman has also focused his efforts on reducing the chronic societal problem of sexual assault. He has sponsored House Bill 2033, which helps sexual assault victims by strengthening the sexual assault protection order.

“We need to protect victims better, whether it’s from violence in the home or from sexual assault. Let’s go the extra mile and get these bills passed and on to the governor’s desk,” Goodman said.

These protection orders currently expire after two years, forcing the victim to return to court to renew the order, a process which often re-traumatizes the victim. Goodman’s bill allows for permanent sexual assault protection orders so victims don’t have to worry about proving they need protection from their assailant every two years. HB 2033 passed with the House 64-33.