Dear Supporters,
Wase Forward is supporting SB 6070, The Ebony Alert, important legislation designed to address the disproportionate rates at which Black youth and young women go missing without receiving adequate public attention.
We have included this link to an article written by the Silent Task Force that explains the purpose and urgency of the Ebony Alert. We encourage you to take a moment to read it and learn more about why this bill matters and how it seeks to improve the safety and visibility of vulnerable community members.
In the coming days, I will follow up with details on how you can get involved—whether by testifying, signing in with your position on the bill, or helping spread awareness. For now, please review the attached article and familiarize yourself with this critical piece of legislation.
As always, thank you for your continued support and commitment to our shared mission.
With appreciation,
Noel Gomez
WASE Forward
Bill 2ESSB 5105
Senator Orwall’s bill relating to sexually explicit depictions of minors, 2ESSB 5105, is scheduled for a public hearing on:
Thursday, 2/19 at 8:00 AM
In the House Community Safety Committee meeting
View the Agenda here
- It will be held in House Hearing Room D (HHR D) in the John L. O’Brien (JLOB) building on the Capitol campus in Olympia, and virtually.
- Here is information about testifying. (You’ll have the option of testifying in person in Olympia, or remotely. You may also submit written testimony).
- Here is the link to sign up to testify.
Please note: Testimony registration will close 1 hour before the start time of the hearing. Anyone who does not register before this deadline will be unable to testify before the committee.
Ink of Hope Bill 2427 – 2025-26
Please help us support HB 2427 that would mandate tattoo artists to get a training on trafficking. This bill is important to inform artists about branding. There are many survivors that are reminded daily of the harm done to them because they were branded with a tattoo. Training is important for prevention in the future.
We have a date for the Public Hearing on the Ink of Hope bill HB 2427. It will be on Wednesday, January 28th at 1:30.
Please feel free to share this with anyone you know that may be interested in submitting written testimony or having their position noted.
Thank you for your support always!
Wase Forward
New Bill Number, HB 2526, January 20, 2026
You can now sign up to testify using this link: https://app.leg.wa.gov/csi/House?selectedCommittee=31647&selectedMeeting=33658. The sign up page is open until an hour before the hearing begins.
Note that we have a NEW bill number, HB 2526. The only change in bill language is to the title, which is now “AN ACT Relating to prostitution” (previously “AN ACT Relating to prostitution”). While virtual testimony, noting your position for the record, and written testimony are all helpful, in person testimony is the most impactful.
The hearing is happening today at 4 pm. We are asking that you sign in PRO in support of the bill or sign up to testify PRO in person or virtually. Please sign up by 3pm today!
In Solidarity,
WASE Forward
Community Notification: Support HB 1265: December 10, 2025
WASE Forward is currently working alongside the King County Prosecutor’s Office and Washington State legislators to advance HB 1265 in 2025-26.
This critical bill would make buying sex in Washington State a felony, ensuring that higher fines are imposed on buyers and traffickers. These funds would then be directed into survivor services, providing essential support for those impacted.
We believe that buyers and traffickers should be fined and criminalized—not survivors. That is why we are asking you to take action: Call your local legislators today and urge them to support HB 1265.
Together, we can help shift accountability to those who exploit and strengthen resources for survivors.
- Learn more about HB 1265 here: Washington State Bill Summary
- Read House Bill 1265: https://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/biennium/2025-26/Pdf/Bills/House%20Bills/1265.pdf#page=1