FINAL BILL REPORT

ESB 6254

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.

C 141 L 12

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description: Changing promoting prostitution provisions.

Sponsors: Senators Delvin, Hargrove, Kohl-Welles, Roach, Conway, Pflug, Ericksen, Carrell, Schoesler, Fain, Baumgartner, Fraser, Padden, Regala, Kline, Shin, Litzow, Eide, Chase, Stevens, Nelson and Keiser.

Senate Committee on Judiciary

House Committee on Public Safety & Emergency Preparedness

Background: Promoting prostitution in the first degree is committed if an individual knowingly advances prostitution by compelling another person, by threat or force, to engage in prostitution or profits from that act. It is a class B felony ranked at level III on the sentencing grid and results in one to three months incarceration and/or a $20,000 fine for a first offense. Promoting prostitution is also an act of criminal profiteering. Three acts of criminal profiteering within a five-year period may result in a civil action for the recovery of up to three times actual damages, costs of suit, forfeiture of property used for or proceeds from the offense, and attorney fees.

Summary: Promoting prostitution in the first degree may also be committed if an individual knowingly advances prostitution by compelling a person with a mental or developmental disability to engage in prostitution or profits from that act. The disability must be one that renders the person incapable of consent.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate

49

0

House

96

0

(House amended)

Senate

48

0

(Senate concurred)

Effective:

June 7, 2012