3.10.09

Suggested lead:   The state House of Representatives cast a loud vote for child safety Tuesday in Olympia.   Dan Frizzell has that story.

Wrap (:55 total):   Assault of a child in the first degree.  Even the name of that crime fires the emotions in most people, and state lawmakers are no different.  A near-fatal assault on a 15-month-old boy last year led to the unanimous passage in the House of a bill that could lead to increased hard time for child-beaters and limit their opportunities to be around children again if and when they're released.  Snohomish Democrat Hans Dunshee was a sponsor of the bill.   

DUNSHEE:  "Often we come across issues that are visceral, and this is exactly that case.  We have to react appropriately and try to improve the situation.  One of our fundamental jobs is to protect citizens here, and I believe in this legislation we have advanced the cause of good, and the cause of protection." [:16]

Prime sponsor of the bill is Enumclaw Democrat Christopher Hurst, the retired police detective who chairs the House Public Safety Committee.  His bill, House Bill 2279,  now heads for the Senate on the strength of a 96-to-nothing House vote.  In Olympia, this is Dan Frizzell.

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