HOUSE BILL REPORT

SSB 6258

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.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:

Public Safety & Emergency Preparedness: 2/15/12, 2/21/12 [DP].

Brief Summary of Substitute Bill

Expands the elements of the crime of Luring to include luring a person away from a bus terminal, airport terminal, or other transportation terminal.

Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 11 members: Representatives Hurst, Chair; Ladenburg, Vice Chair; Pearson, Ranking Minority Member; Klippert, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Appleton, Armstrong, Goodman, Hope, Kirby, Moscoso and Ross.

Background:

A person commits the crime of Luring if he or she:

orders, lures, or attempts to lure a minor or a person with a developmental disability into any area or structure that is obscured from or inaccessible to the public or into a motor vehicle;

does not have the consent of the minor's parent or guardian or the guardian of the person with a developmental disability; and

is unknown to the victim.

A minor is a child under the age of 16 years old.

Luring is an unranked class C felony offense. The maximum sentence for unranked felonies is one year of confinement, along with possible community restitution, community custody, and legal financial obligations.

Summary of Bill:

The crime of Luring is expanded to include the luring of a minor or a person with a developmental disability away from any area or structure constituting a bus terminal, airport terminal, or other transportation terminal.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) Several years ago the Legislature passed a bill to crack down on human trafficking. Since that time there have been results which have led to several pimps and johns being arrested and prosecuted.

Runaway minors can often be found in bus terminals. It is at that time that these minors are met by someone who is eager to make them feel comfortable, take them under their wing, and then subsequently sell them into prostitution.

The purpose of this bill is to clarify that offenders may not capture these children as they get off a bus if they are unaccompanied by an adult. If they try to lure one of these minors from a transportation terminal then they will be subject to prosecution.

(Opposed) None.