SENATE BILL REPORT

EHB 1090

As Reported By Senate Committee On:

Children & Family Services & Corrections, April 2, 2003

Title: An act relating to the task force against the trafficking of persons.

Brief Description: Extending the task force against trafficking of persons.

Sponsors: Representatives Veloria, Roach, O'Brien, Bush, Lantz, Clements, Linville, Kenney, Boldt, Sullivan, Upthegrove, Chase, Darneille, Hudgins and Edwards.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Children & Family Services & Corrections: 4/2/03 [DPA].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN & FAMILY SERVICES & CORRECTIONS

Majority Report: Do pass as amended.

      Signed by Senators Stevens, Chair; Parlette, Vice Chair; Carlson, Deccio, Hargrove, McAuliffe and Regala.

Staff: Edith Rice (786-7444)

Background: The 2002 Legislature established the Washington State Task Force Against the Trafficking of Persons. The task force consisted of the following persons (or their designees): the Director of the Office of Community Development; the Secretary of the Department of Health; the Secretary of the Department of Social and Health Services; the Director of the Department of Labor and Industries; and the Commissioner of the Employment Security Department. In addition, the task force included nine members, selected by the Director of the Office of Community Development, that represented the public and private sector organizations that provide assistance to persons who are victims of trafficking. With the exception of travel expenses, all members of the task force served without compensation. Administrative and clerical support to the task force was provided by the Office of Community Development.

The task force was responsible for the following activities:

      •    measuring and evaluating the progress of the state's trafficking prevention activities;

      •    identifying federal, state, and local programs that provide victims of trafficking with services such as health care, human services, housing, education, legal assistance, job training or preparation, interpreting services, English as a second language classes, and victim's compensation; and

      •    making recommendations on how to provide a coordinated system of support and assistance to victims of trafficking.

The task force provisions expire March 1, 2003.

Summary of Amended Bill: The task force must submit a supplement report in June 2004 and expire at the same time. Administrative and staff support must be provided within available resources.

Amended Bill Compared to Original Bill: A striking amendment is adopted, which requires the task force to submit a supplemental report by June 2004. The task force expires at the same time, and task force support is provided within available resources.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Effective Date: The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.

Testimony For: The task force work has been useful in bringing this issue to the attention of law enforcement and decision-makers. Other states are looking at what Washington State is doing in this area. There is still more work to do; the task force should be able to accomplish this work.

Testimony Against: None.

Testified: Representative Velma Veloria, prime sponsor (pro); Bev Emery, Office of Crime Victims Advocacy, CTED (pro); Senator Linda Smith (pro); Rani Hong, Shared Hope (pro).