SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 6259
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 of January 31, 2012
Title: An act relating to restitution for human trafficking and prostitution.
Brief Description: Addressing restitution for human trafficking and prostitution.
Sponsors: Senators Shin, Kline, Pflug, Regala, Eide, Kohl-Welles, Litzow, Chase, Stevens, Fraser, Nelson, Roach and Conway.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Judiciary: 1/27/12.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY |
Staff: Juliana Roe (786-7438)
Background: Restitution is ordered when an offender is convicted of an offense which results in injury, damage or loss of property, or for the crime of rape, under certain circumstances, unless the court finds that extraordinary circumstances exist which make restitution inappropriate and the court sets forth such circumstances on the record.
Restitution must also be ordered to pay for an injury, loss, or damage if the offender pleads guilty to a lesser offense or fewer offenses and agrees with the prosecutor's recommendation that the offender be required to pay restitution to a victim of an offense or offenses which are not prosecuted pursuant to a plea agreement.
Summary of Bill: Restitution is mandatory for the crimes of human trafficking, promoting prostitution in the first degree, and promoting commercial sexual abuse of minors regardless of extraordinary circumstances.
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: Restitution will allow victims to get therapy and get back to normal. Mandatory restitution will deter traffickers.
Washington State is a leader and a believer in that it combats human trafficking and protects its people. You have helped mobilize my colleagues to pay attention to what we can do at each of our agencies. The Port of Seattle's next steps to combat trafficking are to help you get word out about what we are trying to accomplish. We will start a training program at the port and the airport, to teach people to recognize the signs of human trafficking and to alert authorities. We will also use the public address system to guide people to support services. We will start a campaign to educate the public about human trafficking so that millions passing through our airport have the right to pass through safely.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Gael Tarleton, Port of Seattle Commissioner; Kristine Harper, citizen; Rose Gunderson, WA Engage.