SENATE BILL REPORT
SSB 6339
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 Amended by House, March 4, 2008
Title: An act relating to address confidentiality of victims of trafficking.
Brief Description: Providing for address confidentiality of victims of trafficking.
Sponsors: Senate Committee on Human Services & Corrections (originally sponsored by Senators Kohl-Welles, Swecker, Hargrove, Regala, Fraser, Marr and Kauffman).
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Human Services & Corrections: 1/15/08, 1/22/08 [DPS].
Passed Senate: 2/01/08, 47-0.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON Human Services & Corrections
Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6339 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.Signed by Senators Hargrove, Chair; Regala, Vice Chair; Stevens, Ranking Minority Member; Brandland, Carrell and McAuliffe.
Staff: Shani Bauer (786-7468)
Background: Victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking may apply to the
Secretary of State to have an alternative address designated as the persons' address. This allows
state and local agencies to comply with requests for public records without disclosing the
confidential location of a victim.
The application must include a sworn statement from the applicant that he or she is a victim of
domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking and fears for his or her safety. The applicant must
also provide the Secretary of State with contact information as well as the designated address that
the applicant requests remain confidential.
Trafficking is generally when a person recruits, harbors, or transports another 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 (Recommended Substitute): Victims of trafficking are added to the list of victims eligible for the address confidentiality program. Trafficking has the meaning provided in the current criminal code and as defined in federal law. However, the act does not need to be reported to law enforcement for the victim to utilize the program.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on January 11, 2008.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony on Original Bill: PRO: Washington was the first state in the country to enact trafficking legislation and continues to be a leader in the country. The 2005 Task Force on Trafficking recommended adding trafficking victims to the address confidentiality program. This bill would implement that recommendation. Some people have a hard time believing that trafficking is actually occurring, but there are real stories out there. Trafficking is more than trafficking for the sex trade and includes those forced into labor for jobs such as nannies or housekeepers. A concern was expressed that the state definition of trafficking may be slightly narrower than the federal definition. The definition in the bill should be expanded to include those recognized under federal law.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Jeanne Kohl-Welles, prime sponsor; Rani Hong, The Tronie Foundation; Grace Huang, Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence.
House Amendment(s): Makes a technical correction to the reference to the federal statute defining "severe form of trafficking."