HOUSE BILL REPORT

SB 6330

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

As Reported by House Committee On:

Transportation

Title: An act relating to permitting the placement of human trafficking informational posters in rest areas.

Brief Description: Permitting the placement of human trafficking informational posters in rest areas.

Sponsors: Senators Kohl-Welles, Delvin, Haugen, Swecker, Kline, Fraser, Shin, Fairley and Roach.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:

Transportation: 2/26/10 [DP].

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Allows the Washington State Department of Transportation to work with human trafficking victim advocates to develop informational posters for placement in rest areas.

  • Requires that any poster placement policies address placement of these posters in bathroom stalls.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 26 members: Representatives Clibborn, Chair; Liias, Vice Chair; Roach, Ranking Minority Member; Rodne, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Armstrong, Campbell, Driscoll, Eddy, Ericksen, Finn, Flannigan, Herrera, Johnson, Klippert, Kristiansen, Moeller, Morris, Nealey, Rolfes, Sells, Shea, Simpson, Springer, Takko, Upthegrove and Wood.

Staff: Christie Parker (786-7322).

Background:

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) and the Washington State Patrol are responsible for adopting rules governing the conduct and safety of the traveling public at rest areas. The WSDOT may establish information centers at safety rest areas and allow maps, informational directories, and advertising pamphlets to be made available at these locations.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Summary of Bill:

The WSDOT may work with advocates to develop posters about human trafficking for placement in rest areas. The WSDOT may adopt policies regarding placement of these posters; these policies must address placement of the posters in bathroom stalls. Posters may be in a variety of languages and include toll-free telephone numbers to call for assistance.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) The impetus for this bill was to address concerns regarding human trafficking to Vancouver for the 2010 Olympics. There is concern that people are being brought across the Canadian border for prostitution. This problem goes beyond the Olympics, as human trafficking occurs within the United States and does not always involve international border crossings. Human advocacy groups have been working with the WSDOT to place posters at rest areas along Interstate 5 and Interstate 90. The cost for these posters has been borne by the advocacy groups. Current law language is ambiguous; the bill would clarify the rules. These posters will increase awareness. The bill is a practical and easy way to address the problem. Posters have been proven to be effective in Texas and four other states are considering similar legislation.

(Opposed) None.

Persons Testifying: Senator Kohl-Welles, prime sponsor; Rose Gunderson, Seattle Against Slavery; and Lonnie Johns-Brown, Washington Coalition of Sexual Assault.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.