SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 6256
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 Reported by Senate Committee On:
Judiciary, February 1, 2012
Title: An act relating to adding commercial sexual abuse of a minor to the list of criminal street gang-related offenses.
Brief Description: Adding commercial sexual abuse of a minor to the list of criminal street gang-related offenses.
Sponsors: Senators Conway, Delvin, Roach, Chase, Kohl-Welles, Eide, Litzow, Fraser, Stevens, Pflug, Regala, Nelson, Keiser and Holmquist Newbry.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Judiciary: 1/27/12, 2/01/12 [DP].
SENATE COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY |
Majority Report: Do pass.
Signed by Senators Kline, Chair; Harper, Vice Chair; Pflug, Ranking Minority Member; Hargrove, Kohl-Welles, Padden, Regala and Roach.
Staff: Juliana Roe (786-7438)
Background: A criminal street gang-related offense is defined as any felony or misdemeanor offense, whether in this state or elsewhere, that is committed for the benefit of, at the direction of, or in association with any criminal street gang, or is committed with the intent to promote, further or assist in any criminal conduct by the gang, or is committed for one or more of the following reasons: (1) to gain admission, prestige, or promotion within the gang; (2) to increase or maintain the gang's size, membership, prestige, dominance, or control in a geographical area; (3) to exact revenge or retribution for the gang or any member of the gang; (4) to obstruct justice, or intimidate or eliminate any witness against the gang or a member of the gang; (5) to cause any benefit, aggrandizement, gain, profit, or other advantage for the gang, its reputation, influence, or membership; or (6) to provide the gang with any advantage in, or any control or dominance over any criminal market sector, including, but not limited to drugs, arson, trafficking in stolen property, promoting prostitution, human trafficking, or promoting pornography.
Summary of Bill: Promoting commercial sexual abuse of a minor is added to the list of gang-related offenses that are committed to provide the gang with any advantage in or control or dominance over a market sector.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: There is a need for each piece of human trafficking legislation. Each bill before you represents a chord that strengthens one area or another that needs to be addressed. The forward vision needs to be the mechanism that will protect the children from sexual exploitation. We need to look at a statewide provision of services. Without the support of the Legislature and a comprehensive approach we will not get there. A victim-centered approach is appropriate. We need to protect all children unconditionally.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Leslie Briner, Youthcare; Chris Johnson, Office of the Attorney General; Kristine Harper, citizen; Rose Gunderson, WA Engage.