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bills
All criminal justice bills
HB 2526 redefines "patronizing a person for prostitution" as a crime targeting individuals who pay for sexual activity, with penalties escalating based on prior offenses (gross misdemeanor for first offense, class C felony for two or more prior convictions after April 1, 2026). It imposes mandatory fees on convicted individuals or those entering reduced charges/diversion agreements: $3,000 for first offenses, $5,000 for one prior offense, and $10,000 for two or more prior offenses. Ninety-eight percent of these fees must fund community-based survivor-led services like mental health counseling, housing, and job training, while 2% goes to the Department of Commerce for reporting. The bill also requires courts to establish payment plans for those unable to pay in full and prohibits fee waivers without documented inability to pay.
HB 2146 defines and strengthens criminal penalties for sexual exploitation of minors in Washington State. It makes it a crime for anyone to force a minor into sexually explicit conduct for photos or live performances (section 1a), aid or invite minors into such situations (1b), or for parents/guardians to permit it (1c). The bill upgrades this offense to a class B felony under state law, increasing penalties. It directly affects minors who may be exploited, perpetrators of such acts, and caregivers who fail to protect minors. The law focuses on specific, concrete prohibitions rather than broader policy changes.
Washington's SB 5227 criminalizes the sale, distribution, manufacturing, and possession of "child sex dolls" - anatomically correct objects designed to resemble minors for sexual use. It classifies trafficking, manufacturing, or sending such dolls into the state as a class B felony, while simple possession is a gross misdemeanor on first offense (escalating to a class C felony with prior convictions). The bill also requires a $1,000 fee per conviction for violations, collected into a child rescue fund. These provisions directly affect individuals involved in creating, selling, or possessing these dolls, with penalties based on the number of dolls involved.
