BILL REQ. #:  S-3335.5 

Read first time 01/20/2004.   Referred to Committee on Government Operations & Elections.

     AN ACT Relating to an award recognizing service to victims of human trafficking; adding a new section to chapter 43.330 RCW; and creating a new section.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   The legislature recognizes that human trafficking is growing to epidemic proportions and that our state is impacted. Reliable reports estimate that tens of thousands of humans are trafficked into the United States annually. Human trafficking is one of the greatest threats to human dignity. It is the commodification of human beings. United States Attorney General John Ashcroft has said: "Sex trafficking is more than just a serious violation of the law. It is an affront to human dignity; it is an assault on human values."
     Victims of human trafficking are often in need of services such as emergency medical attention, food and shelter, vocational and English language training, mental health counseling, and legal support. A variety of public and private agencies and organizations, and many individuals are making great efforts in the state of Washington to fight human trafficking or to provide services to victims of human trafficking.
     Washington is, and must continue to be, a national leader at the state level in the fight against human trafficking. Such leadership extends beyond government efforts and laws and is grounded in efforts of highly dedicated individuals and community-based groups to combat, and mitigate the adverse consequences of, human trafficking. Indeed, without these efforts the struggle against human trafficking will be very difficult to win. The legislature, therefore, finds that such efforts merit regular public recognition and appreciation. Such recognition and appreciation will encourage the efforts of all persons and groups to end human trafficking within our state as well as providing the public with information and education about the necessity of its involvement in this struggle.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   A new section is added to chapter 43.330 RCW to read as follows:
     (1) There is created an award to honor and recognize individuals and groups, public or private, who have made noteworthy efforts to fight human trafficking or to provide services to the victims of human trafficking.
     (2) The governor, in conjunction with the director, shall identify and honor up to two individuals or groups, public or private, in Washington state who have made noteworthy efforts to fight human trafficking or to provide services to the victims of human trafficking. The award shall be given annually, commencing September 2004, consistent with the availability of qualified nominees. The director shall appoint a broad-based advisory committee that includes community advocacy and other organizations and agencies serving trafficking victims, immigrants, and others affected by trafficking.