Title: An act relating to services for victims of trafficking of humans.

Brief Description: Improving services to victims of human trafficking.

Sponsors: Senators Kohl-Welles, Benton, Hargrove, Roach, Prentice, Thibaudeau, Stevens, Fraser and Keiser.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Human Services & Corrections: 1/17/05, 1/31/05 [DP].

Passed Senate: 3/8/05, 49-0.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES & CORRECTIONS

Majority Report: Do pass.Signed by Senators Hargrove, Chair; Regala, Vice Chair; Brandland, Carrell, McAuliffe, Stevens and Thibaudeau.

Staff: Edith Rice (786-7444)

Background: The Washington State Task Force Against the Trafficking of Persons was created by the legislature in 2003. Chaired by the Director of the Office of Community Development (CTED), the task force included members from a variety of state agencies, and public and private sector organizations that provide assistance to persons who are victims of trafficking. The task force identified federal and state programs that provide services to victims of trafficking, made recommendations on methods to provide a coordinated system of support and assistance to victims of trafficking and issued a final report to the Governor and legislature in June, 2004, when the task force expired.

The crime of trafficking was created in Washington in 2003, in RCW 9A.40.100. Trafficking involves recruiting or transporting a person knowing that force, fraud, or coercion will be used to cause the person to engage in forced labor or involuntary servitude.

Summary of Bill: Victims of trafficking would be better served by a coordinated system of service delivery extending beyond government efforts. Government and community based efforts should be recognized.

The director of CTED will, within existing resources, convene a work group to develop written protocols for service delivery to victims of trafficking. The work group will include other state agencies and will develop protocols for policies and procedures for interagency coordinated operations. A database must be established which is available to all affected agencies, listing services to victims of human trafficking. This workgroup will submit the final written protocols with a report to the legislature and the governor by January 1, 2006.

An award is created to recognize noteworthy individuals and groups, who provide services to victims of trafficking. The governor and director of CTED with the assistance of an advisory committee, will identify the award recipients. Beginning in September, 2005, the award will be given annually.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: Yes.

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

Testimony For: This is a form of modern day slavery. Washington is recognized as a national leader in addressing the issue of trafficking. There is a huge need for services for this population and coordination among providers would help.

Testimony Against: None.

Who Testified: PRO: Lonnie Johns-Brown, National Organization for Women; Nicky Gleason, Office of Crime Victims Advocacy (OCVA); Grace Call, OCVA - Community Trade & Economic Development; Rani Hong, Shared Hope International.