The following editorial was printed on March 12, 2010

While we have found fault with many of the actions taking place in Olympia -- primarily the tax measures being considered in the House and Senate -- we are pleased to see common sense enshrined in a measure that would put an end to further outings by mentally ill patients who pose a threat to public safety.

For the family of the late Ruth Mottley, the measure is welcome news. Of course, what happened last summer in Spokane never should have occurred in the first place. But under House Bill 2717, procedures would be put in place that should make such incidents as the brief run for freedom by criminally insane killer Phillip Arnold Paul a thing of the past.

Paul escaped last fall while on a field trip to the Spokane County Fair. A few weeks earlier, a Yakima County Superior Court judge had concluded the 47-year-old Paul remained a threat to the public because of his aggressive behavior.

In spite of this ruling, Eastern State Hospital allowed Paul to visit the fair with 30 other patients. He carried along a backpack stuffed with clothing, food and $50 in cash. After workers from Eastern State Hospital realized Paul had slipped away and escaped, they waited a full two hours before notifying police.

Paul was nabbed three days later outside Goldendale. Luckily, he had harmed no one.

That wasn't the case in 1987. Paul brutally murdered the 78-year-old Mottley, a respected retired schoolteacher in Sunnyside, after he heard voices telling him she was a witch. Paul was later diagnosed as schizophrenic, found not guilty by reason of insanity and committed to Eastern State for life.

Sponsored by Rep. Matt Shea, R-Spokane Valley, HB2717 would correct the policy mistakes that took place last fall when Paul made his escape. Those like Paul who are committed to a state facility would not be allowed to leave except under these specific conditions and with supervision:

* To travel to a medical or legal hearing.

* To visit the bedside of an immediate family member who is seriously ill.

* To attend the funeral of an immediate family member.

* To go on a court-authorized excursion.

Furthermore, the measure requires the Department of Social and Health Services to notify county or city law enforcement agencies whenever a patient is headed to their jurisdiction.

It's a well-conceived measure. We urge the governor to sign it into law and put an end to these poorly supervised field trips, which needlessly expose the public to harm.

* Members of the Yakima Herald-Republic editorial board are Michael Shepard, Bob Crider, Spencer Hatton and Karen Troianello.