SB 5614, sponsored by Sen. Rebecca Saldaña (D–Seattle), passed out of the Senate last
week. The act establishes various provisions relating to adult entertainment establishments in Washington. Pertaining to cities, the bill would prohibit local laws or ordinances related to entertainers. Cities would not be able to adopt laws, rules,
ordinances, or regulations that limit or prohibit entertainers from collecting payment from customers, that regulate exposure, or prohibit physical contact with another person that would otherwise be lawful outside of the establishment.
The bill contains several provisions intending to protect entertainers’ safety, including requiring training for employees to support entertainers in times of conflict and requiring that establishments provide security.
The bill would also allow establishments to apply for a liquor license and would exclude establishments from certain criminal laws including indecent exposure and prostitution.
SB 5614 now awaits a public hearing in the House Labor & Workplace Standards Committee.