Concerning commercial sexual exploitation.

 H-0462.1

HOUSE BILL 1265

State of Washington

69th Legislature

2025 Regular Session

By Representatives Stearns, Taylor, Salahuddin, Richards, Davis, Obras, Ormsby, Parshley, and Hill

Read first time 01/14/25. Referred to Committee on Community Safety.

AN ACT Relating to commercial sexual exploitation; amending RCW 9A.88.110 and 9A.88.120 ; creating a new section; and prescribing penalties.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. Commercial sexual exploitation targets the most vulnerable: Women, children, and young adults, primarily in communities of poverty; indigenous communities; communities of color; foster care; and those who identify as LGBTQ+. Many exploited adults were first exploited as children. Addressing both the causes and the impacts of exploitation requires a comprehensive two-pronged approach:

(1) A public health system that holistically supports victims and survivors with well-resourced transition services, housing, and community-based trauma recovery services.