Law aimed at preventing attacks on children
Published 10:45 pm Saturday, April 25, 2009
OLYMPIA — Gov. Chris Gregoire signed legislation Saturday aimed at preventing attacks of children like the brutal 2007 beating of a Lake Stevens child. “Today, on behalf of the people of Washington I thank you for standing up so that this terrible tragedy will hopefully result in good,” she said with little Eryk Woodruff and his family by her side.
Eryk Woodruff was 15 months old when he was beaten nearly to death by a neighbor who was baby-sitting him at the time of the attack. Now 3, he suffered permanent brain damage and is unable to speak.
The new law bars persons convicted of first-degree assault of a child from working or volunteering where they are in charge of children under the age of 13.
It also requires a study of whether longer sentences should be given to those convicted of the crime. The current maximum prison term is 10 years, which is what Eryk’s assailant is now serving.
Before acting, Gregoire met with the Woodruff family and the lawmakers instrumental in getting the law passed, Rep. Mike Hope, R-Lake Stevens, and Rep. Christopher Hurst, D-Enumclaw.
“I am so excited that we finally got what we were fighting for,” said Rachel Pierce, Eryk’s mom. “Forever, the tragedy that has happened to my son has been turned into a positive.
The legislation, House Bill 2279, passed the Senate on a 42-0 vote and the House on a 96-0 vote.
It will take effect Aug. 1 and be known as the Eryk Woodruff Public Safety Act of 2009.
Jerry Cornfield, 360-352-8623, jcornfield@heraldnet.com.
