The bill seeks to strengthen Washington State's legal framework against human trafficking and sexual abuse by amending existing laws and introducing new provisions. Key changes include a redefinition of trafficking offenses, clarifying that consent is not a defense when the victim is a minor, and establishing penalties for trafficking crimes, including a $10,000 fee for those convicted. Additionally, the bill creates a statewide coordinating committee to address the commercial sexual exploitation of children and young adults, focusing on prevention and intervention strategies while incorporating the perspectives of stakeholders and those with lived experiences. It also mandates a performance audit of the collection and use of trafficking-related fees to ensure effective local efforts.

Further amendments expand the definitions related to child welfare laws, including the inclusion of sex trafficking victims as "dependent children" and enhancing the responsibilities of mandated reporters of child abuse and neglect. The bill emphasizes timely reporting and outlines the department's procedures for responding to abuse reports, including the use of validated assessment tools for cases of commercial sexual abuse of minors. It also introduces provisions for extended foster care services and adoption support for youth transitioning out of care. Overall, the bill aims to improve protections for vulnerable children, enhance accountability in reporting and intervention, and strengthen legal recourse for victims of domestic violence and sexual exploitation.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 26.44.020, 26.44.030, 74.13.031, 7.105.100, 7.105.110, 7.105.225, 7.105.405, 7.105.500, 7.68.060, 9A.44.120, 9A.44.150, 9A.82.100, 10.97.130, 42.56.240
Substitute Bill: 26.44.020, 26.44.030, 74.13.031, 7.105.100, 7.105.110, 7.105.225, 7.105.405, 7.105.500, 7.68.060, 9A.44.120, 9A.44.150, 9A.82.100, 10.97.130, 42.56.240
Second Substitute: 26.44.020, 26.44.030, 74.13.031, 7.105.100, 7.105.110, 7.105.225, 7.105.405, 7.105.500, 7.68.060, 9A.44.120, 9A.44.150, 9A.82.100, 10.97.130, 42.56.240
Bill as Passed Legislature: 9A.40.100, 26.44.020, 26.44.030, 74.13.031, 7.105.100, 7.105.110, 7.105.225, 7.105.405, 7.105.500, 7.68.060, 9A.44.120, 9A.44.150, 9A.82.100, 10.97.130, 42.56.240
Session Law: 9A.40.100, 26.44.020, 26.44.030, 74.13.031, 7.105.100, 7.105.110, 7.105.225, 7.105.405, 7.105.500, 7.68.060, 9A.44.120, 9A.44.150, 9A.82.100, 10.97.130, 42.56.240