SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5813
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:
Human Services & Corrections, February 17, 2011
Title: An act relating to increasing fee assessments for prostitution crimes.
Brief Description: Increasing fee assessments for prostitution crimes.
Sponsors: Senators Kohl-Welles, Hargrove, Regala and Shin.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Human Services & Corrections: 2/17/11 [DP].
SENATE COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES & CORRECTIONS |
Majority Report: Do pass.
Signed by Senators Hargrove, Chair; Regala, Vice Chair; Stevens, Ranking Minority Member; Baxter, Carrell, Harper and McAuliffe.
Staff: Jennifer Strus (786-7316)
Background: A person who is convicted, given a deferred sentence, deferred prosecution, or who has entered into a statutory or non-statutory diversion agreement as a result of an arrest for patronizing a prostitute or a comparable county or municipal ordinance must be assessed a $150 fee.
A person who is convicted, given a deferred sentence, deferred prosecution, or who has entered into a statutory or non-statutory diversion agreement as a result of an arrest for promoting prostitution in the second or third degree or comparable county or municipal ordinance must be assessed a $300 fee.
Summary of Bill: A person who is convicted, given a deferred sentence, deferred prosecution, or who has entered into a statutory or non-statutory diversion agreement as a result of an arrest for patronizing a prostitute or a comparable county or municipal ordinance must be assessed a $3,000 fee.
A person who is convicted, given a deferred sentence, deferred prosecution, or who has entered into a statutory or non-statutory diversion agreement as a result of an arrest for promoting prostitution in the second or third degree or comparable county or municipal ordinance must be assessed a $5,000 fee.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
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: Passing this bill sends a powerful message to prostitutes, that they are worth defending. This bill will serve as a deterrent to those who would buy sex from women. It will be hard on the johns and the pimps because the fine will be so high and that is a good thing. This bill will help move Washington into a slave free state. I was surprised to find out that the fee for soliciting a prostitute is the same as a traffic ticket, so the fines for soliciting a prostitute should be much higher. Fifty percent of the victims of prostitution are 18 years old; it is shocking to see how low the penalties are. The crime should be renamed to sex trafficking because it would place the focus on the trafficker rather than the victim, and that is where the focus should be.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Kohl-Welles, prime sponsor; Tim Heffer, Dannie McQueen, Darly Abbott, Justice and Mercy Foundation; Daniel Baker, Hidden Creek Community Church; Rose Gunderson, Washington Anti-Trafficking Engagement.