HB 1382, sponsored by Rep. Mike Pellicciotti (D–Federal Way), passed out of the House unanimously. The bill provides immunity from prosecution for prostitution in circumstances surrounding seeking emergency assistance.
HB 1382 provides that person may not be charged with or prosecuted for prostitution if they were acting in good faith to seek emergency assistance:
- On behalf of another person who has been a victim of any statutory violent offense, assault in the third or fourth degree, or rape in the third degree; or
- On his or her own behalf as a victim; and
- If the evidence for the charge was obtained as a result of seeking emergency assistance.
The protection from prosecution for prostitution is not grounds for suppression of evidence in other criminal charges.
The bill has been referred to the Senate Law & Justice Committee. A hearing has not yet been scheduled.
AWC supports the bill.
A link to the hearing can be found at TVW.