The bill seeks to enhance Washington's legal protections against sexually explicit depictions of minors, particularly in response to advancements in artificial intelligence that enable the creation of realistic but fabricated images. It broadens existing prohibitions to include fabricated depictions of minors, even if the minors are not identifiable, emphasizing the state's interest in preventing child exploitation. Key amendments redefine terms related to "digitization" and "fabricated depiction," update age definitions for minors, and specify penalties for offenses involving depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Each depiction is treated as a separate offense, thereby strengthening the legal framework to address the complexities introduced by digital technologies.

Additionally, the bill amends laws concerning the viewing and possession of explicit material involving minors, establishing two degrees of offenses with corresponding felony classifications. It clarifies that intentional viewing of such material online constitutes an offense, with each internet session counted as a separate violation. The legislation also outlines defenses for accused individuals, expands the statute of limitations for prosecuting certain sexual offenses against minors, and ensures that the law does not impact the liability of service providers under federal law. Overall, the bill aims to fortify protections for minors against sexual exploitation and clarify the legal repercussions for violators.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 9.68A.050, 9.68A.053, 9.68A.060, 9.68A.070, 9.68A.075, 9.68A.110
Substitute Bill: 9.68A.050, 9.68A.053, 9.68A.060, 9.68A.070, 9.68A.075, 9.68A.110, 9.68A.040
Engrossed Substitute: 9.68A.050, 9.68A.053, 9.68A.060, 9.68A.070, 9.68A.075, 9.68A.110, 9.68A.040
Second engrossed substitute: 9.68A.050, 9.68A.053, 9.68A.060, 9.68A.070, 9.68A.075, 9.68A.110, 9.68A.040
Bill as passed Legislature: 9.68A.050, 9.68A.053, 9.68A.060, 9.68A.070, 9.68A.075, 9.68A.110, 9.68A.040