Court Opinion

ID: 9594161
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-22 00:27:36.695599+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T13:18:46.257117
License: Public Domain

Andersen, C.J.
(concurring) — I am concerned lest the majority in "interpreting” the sex offender registration statute has rendered it, if not unworkable, then at least uncertain.
I agree with the majority opinion that the sex offender registration statute is constitutional. However, the majority opinion goes on (see discussion, majority opinion at 502-03) and, under the rubric of interpreting or construing the statute, imposes on public agencies the obligation to have "evidence of an offender’s future dangerousness, likelihood of reoffense, or threat to the community” (majority, at 503) in order to justify disclosure to the public. That is both unworkable and unnecessary. The statute is plain and unambiguous on its face and therefore should not be subject *518to judicial interpretation. In re Williams, 111 Wn.2d 353, 361, 759 P.2d 436 (1988); State v. Roberts, 117 Wn.2d 576, 584, 817 P.2d 855 (1991).
The statute clearly and expressly allows public agencies to authorize release of relevant and necessary information regarding sex offenders to the public "when the release of the information is necessary for public protection.” RCW 4.24.550. I do not feel it is constitutionally necessary to add to the clear requirements of this statute, and to the extent such additions are not constitutionally mandated they constitute inappropriate "judicial legislation”.
Brachtenbach, J., concurs with Andersen, C.J.