Relating to: a human trafficking victim services grant program, granting rule-making authority, and making an appropriation. (FE)
SB 838 creates a state grant program providing $1.25 million biennially to fund support services for human trafficking victims. Nonprofit organizations (tax-exempt under IRS 501(c)(3)) must submit applications, provide 50% private matching funds, and coordinate with law enforcement to qualify. Grants are capped at $125,000 per biennium for organizations offering housing services or $50,000 for other support services like advocacy, medical care, or job training. The Department of Justice will administer the program, prioritizing applicants with strong law enforcement partnerships and capacity to serve many victims.
Bill status
failed
1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 15, 2026
Last action Mar 23, 2026
Floor votes
How they voted
No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
13
Key actions
1
Committee
1
Feb 16, 2026
Upper · Passed
Report passage recommended by Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety, Ayes 8, Noes 0
upper
Jan 15, 2026
Introduced
Introduced by Senators Jacque, Spreitzer and Habush Sinykin;
cosponsored by Representatives O'Connor, Mursau, Stubbs, Gundrum, Kreibich, Dittrich, Ortiz-Velez, Sinicki, Behnke and McCarville
upper
3 primary · 0 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
AJ
André Jacque
RRepublican
P
Jodi Habush Sinykin
DDemocratic
P
Mark Spreitzer
DDemocratic
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