HOUSE BILL REPORT
SB 6376
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 Passed House:
March 1, 2016
Title: An act relating to recognizing human trafficking awareness day.
Brief Description: Recognizing human trafficking awareness day.
Sponsors: Senators Fraser, Roach, McCoy, Conway, Hasegawa, Padden, Carlyle, Liias, Nelson, O'Ban, Darneille, Chase and Jayapal.
Brief History:
Committee Activity:
State Government: 2/23/16, 2/24/16 [DP].
Floor Activity:
Passed House: 3/1/16, 96-1.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON STATE GOVERNMENT |
Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 6 members: Representatives S. Hunt, Chair; Holy, Ranking Minority Member; Van Werven, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Frame, Hawkins and Moscoso.
Staff: Dawn Eychaner (786-7135).
Background:
Human trafficking is an illegal act conducted for the purpose of exploitation through the use of force, fraud, or coercion. Trafficking victims are forced to engage in forced labor, involuntary servitude, sexually explicit acts, and/or commercial sex acts. Trafficking in the first or second degree is punishable as a class A felony.
Every Sunday and 10 additional days are recognized in Washington as legal holidays. The state also recognizes certain other days of the year for specific purposes. For example, some recognized days that are not considered legal holidays include Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, Korean-American Day, and Marcus Whitman Day.
Summary of Bill:
January 11 is recognized as Human Trafficking Awareness Day.
A legislative findings and intent section acknowledges the 40 anti-trafficking laws enacted by the Legislature since 2002, and states an intent to honor Washington's efforts to reduce human trafficking.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) Washington is a national leader in addressing human trafficking. This bill simply establishes a day as a focal point to help raise awareness of what human trafficking is and how people can report what they see. Many people don't recognize trafficking when they see it, and this will help people be made aware of what to report to law enforcement. This day will be good for public awareness and education for the public and for law enforcement officials. Lawmakers in Washington should be commended for the progress Washington has made on human trafficking issues. Establishing this awareness day makes a powerful statement.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Senator Fraser, prime sponsor; and Tim Heffer, The Justice and Mercy Foundation.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.