BILL · 2025–26 SESSION · LATEST VERSION SHB 2526

HB 2526: Prostitution

Concerning prostitution.

Summary

Renames the offense of Patronizing a Prostitute to Patronizing a Person for Prostitution and expands the means of committing the offense.
Classifies Patronizing a Person for Prostitution as a gross misdemeanor for a person's first two convictions and as a class C felony for a person's third or subsequent conviction.
Increases fees assessed for Patronizing a Person for Prostitution and requires that 98 percent of the revenue from the fees assessed be directed to community-based, survivor-led organizations that provide rehabilitative services.
Requires law enforcement to refer a person engaged in prostitution to services for a person's first and second investigative detention for such conduct and provides that a person's third or subsequent violation is a misdemeanor.
Provides additional protections for a person engaged in prostitution.

From the House Bill Report (HB 2526), written by the Legislature's nonpartisan staff. Read the full report ↗

Did not pass Did not pass · died in committee

AN ACT Relating to prostitution;

No recorded floor votes. This measure never reached a floor vote.

Feb 4, 2026Referred to Appropriations. (SHB 2526)
Feb 4, 2026Referred to Appropriations.
Feb 3, 2026CS - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. (SHB 2526)
Feb 3, 2026Minority; do not pass. (SHB 2526)
Feb 3, 2026CS - Executive action taken by committee.
Feb 3, 2026Minority; do not pass.
Feb 3, 2026CS - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.
Jan 16, 2026First reading, referred to Community Safety.

Bill numbers restart every two years, so the same number is a different bill in each session.

HB 2526 (2019–20) Home foreclosure/taxes · Did not pass · died in committee
HB 2526 (2017–18) Elections policy committee · Did not pass · died in committee
HB 2526 (2015–16) State resident qualification · Did not pass · passed House, stalled in Senate
HB 2526 (2013–14) Apprenticeships, use of · Did not pass · stalled on the House floor
HB 2526 (2011–12) Public employee reps/records · Did not pass · died in committee
HB 2526 (2009–10) Small wineries/taxes · Did not pass · died in committee
HB 2526 (2007–08) Library trustee election · Did not pass · died in committee
HB 2526 (2005–06) Voter challenges · Did not pass · died in committee