Dear Abolition Partners:
Good news! Most of the anti-trafficking bills this legislative session have moved to the Rules Committee for a second reading so they are progressing nicely.
HB 1874 (the companion bill is SB 5545 – Police investigation of commercial sexual abuse of minors using one-party consent voice recording administrative warrant procedures)
Both bills moved out of the originating committee to the Rules Committee eligible for a second reading with a “do pass” recommendation by the majority.
It is likely that both the House and Senate will vote on this bill by early March. The speedy progress of this bill was made possible because of the intense advocacy work many of you did on the Engagement Day with legislators. Kudos to all of you who met with legislators during that day, those who attended Engagement Day meeting, and those who have reached out to legislators recently about these bills.
SB 5546 – Amending Human Trafficking criminal code.
This bill is now in the Rules Committee for second reading with a “do pass” recommendation by the majority.
SB 5813 – Raise fines for traffickers whose victims happen to be 18 years old or above.
This bill is now in the Rules Committee for second reading with a “do pass” recommendation by the majority.
Other bills to support: SB 5462 – Authorizing existing funding to house victims of human trafficking and their families
This bill is referred to the Ways and Means Committee due to a fiscal note.
HB 1126 – Gang Bill: this bill did not move out of the originating committee.
A special thank you to Justice and Mercy Foundation for showing up at every hearing, and for the rest of you who contributed to the collaborative advocacy work. Our partnership is very, very important and effective in our work to help bring stronger anti-trafficking laws to Washington State.
All the best,
Rose
Rose Gundersen
Washington Anti-Trafficking Engagement | Co-Founder & Legislative Director
RGundersen@waengage.com | 360.561.7616
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