SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5883
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 of February 13, 2015
Title: An act relating to human trafficking informational posters in public restrooms.
Brief Description: Requiring that human trafficking information be posted in public restrooms.
Sponsors: Senators Kohl-Welles, Padden, Keiser, Conway, Chase and Hasegawa.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Law & Justice: 2/16/15.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON LAW & JUSTICE |
Staff: Melissa Burke-Cain (786-7755)
Background: Public safety and health agencies frequently use public information campaigns to build awareness of public dangers. In 2010 British Columbia hosted the Winter Olympics. Washington officials anticipated an influx of visitors for the event that would attract human trafficking criminal enterprises to Washington. The Legislature authorized nonprofit organizations to place informational human trafficking posters in the restrooms at Washington's Interstate 5 rest stops. The purpose was two-fold: informing the public at large about criminal human trafficking, and notifying human trafficking victims about available help. Expanding the anti-trafficking information campaign to additional public settings improves victim outreach and improves public understanding of the harms of human trafficking.
Summary of Bill: The Office of Crime Victim Advocacy must review and approve a model human trafficking notice for use in an anti-trafficking information campaign. The notice will be printed and distributed by anti-trafficking non-profit organizations participating in the campaign. Once the model notice is available, all establishments that maintain a restroom available to the public must post the anti-trafficking notice in full view of the establishment's employees and customers.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.