House Republicans were surprised when the governor invited the media to her office to announce that four sex offenders out of almost 20,000 will be monitored with a global positioning system (GPS) device.

There are currently 1,300 sex offenders who have failed to register in the state, prompting Republican state representatives to question why only four will receive special attention.

"I'm pleased the GPS legislation we proposed weeks ago to the governor resonated with her, but this is just one very, very, very small step. We must keep moving forward with other concrete solutions that better protect children," said Rep. Skip Priest, R-Federal Way.

"There are thirteen hundred sex offenders who have failed to register, breaking the law, and another fifteen hundred level three sex offenders who require close monitoring, Priest said, "We think these offenders warrant GPS tracking and other forms of close supervision, too."

Priest added that GPS alone will not solve the concerns the public has about their safety. That's why House Republicans crafted a comprehensive eight-point plan that has elements that work together to ensure greater public safety. As a package they hold sex offenders accountable for their whereabouts and activities.

House Republicans drafted eight bills for the Legislature to consider during a special session, which were also sent to the governor and her sex offender task force last month.

These measures would: