Dear supporters and allies,
WASE forward is writing to express our strong support for (SB 5105: Concerning sexually explicit depictions of minors, SB 5330: Requires drink testing kits to be available for sale in taverns and bars, and SB 5362: Concerning victims of crime act funding). We believe these bills are crucial for the safety of our community improving public health, protecting our children and vulnerable people.
The proposed legislation offers significant benefits. By supporting these bills, we can save lives, and have a positive impact, such as improving quality of life, and ensuring justice.
We urge you to consider the positive implications these bills will have on our community and to lend your support by signing on or testifying at the next hearing. It is essential that we come together to advocate for policies that promote safety.
Thank you for your time and consideration. We look forward to your positive response and hope to see you championing these important initiatives.
Sincerely,
Waseforward Team
Dear Supporters, Providers, and Allies,
Bills We Are Supporting!
- SB 5105 (by Orwall): Expands definitions to prohibit the use of sexually explicit AI-generated images of children. The bill has passed the Senate and is now in the House Community Safety Committee.
- SB 5330 (by Dhingra): Requires drink testing kits to be available for sale in taverns and bars. The bill passed the Senate Labor and Commerce Committee on February 14th. It has a low fiscal note, and it’s not yet clear whether it will be referred to Ways and Means or Rules.
- SB 5362 (by Dhingra): Creates a “Victims of Crime Act Fund” to support crime victim services that have lost federal funding. The bill passed the Law and Justice Committee and is now in Ways and Means.
For Your Consideration:
- SB 5273 (by Orwall): Creates a community violent crime prevention and intervention process. A hearing is scheduled for February 20th at 8 AM in the Senate Health Committee.
- SB 5356 (by Orwall): Expands training at the CJTC (Criminal Justice Training Commission) on sexual assault and gender-based violent crimes. This training would extend to those who investigate complaints on college campuses. Additionally, police officers working in public spaces must receive training on responding to calls involving sexual violence. A hearing is scheduled for February 18th at 4 PM in the Senate Ways and Means Committee.
To find out more: Go to our “2025 Bills We Are Supporting”
Mission: WASE Forward is a Washington initiative to promote policies and practices that enhance support and justice for people with lived experience of sex trafficking and sexual exploitation.
WASE Forward proposes and supports legislation to reduce sex trafficking and exploitation in Washington State.
WASE Forward mobilizes a statewide network of CSE experts and grassroots advocates to strengthen policies and systems for people experiencing sex trafficking and exploitation.
WASE Forward educates policy-makers and the public about proven solutions to reduce sex trafficking and exploitation
in Washington state.
Law targeting drug-related criminal activity passes City Council, City Council News Releases, September 17, 2024
A bill passed Seattle City Council that would hold buyers and traffickers accountable for the violence and trauma they perpetrate on our community and individuals making it a misdemeanor to “Promote Loitering for the Purpose of Prostitution” and provide intervention through prefiling diversion for the victims of human trafficking.
Although this bill has passed which is not perfect or a fix all to an extremely nuanced problem, I stood in support of this bill. I worked to amend portions of the bill along with anti-trafficking leaders in my community.
Now it is time to hold Seattle City Council accountable in Budget season to fund much needed services.
There is no place in my community or anywhere for that matter for human trafficking to claim the lives of our most vulnerable.
WASE Forward
StrongerTogether
Substitute Senate Bill 5114
WASE Forward is thrilled to announce that Governor Inslee signed Substitute Senate Bill 5114 on May 4, 2023, providing an infusion of funding for culturally responsive and survivor-centered programs that will support adults who have experienced sex trafficking in Washington. This bill was written specifically by and for survivors of adult sex trafficking and marks a significant milestone for WASE Forward. We’re honored to have played a role in bringing this legislation to fruition and remain committed to advancing the well-being of survivors in Washington.
In 2023 SSB 5114 passed to support adults, over the age of 18, with lived experience of sex trafficking by funding Healing ,Support and Transition Services. Adults are eligible for support and services if they have experienced sex trafficking as an adult or as a child or youth (under the age of 18).
Healing, support and transition services mean safe and trauma-informed services that are tailored to the self determined needs of each individual.
Download the “Healing Support & Transition Services Purpose & Services Provided” and for more information on the 12 recipients. | PDF.
WASE Forward is proud to be recognized as the 2022 Organization Human Rights Leader by the Seattle Human Rights Commission.
We are a grassroots movement working to strengthen policies and systems for those experiencing sex trafficking and exploitation. We advocate and amplify human rights by lifting up the voices of our most vulnerable communities in Washington state.