By: Khushi Prakash
Senate Bill 6017 is a survivor-centered piece of legislation in Washington State that strengthens protections for individuals impacted by sexual and gender-based violence, including survivors of female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C). Sponsored by Senator Tina Orwall, the bill focuses on reducing re-traumatization, expanding survivor rights, and ensuring state laws better reflect trauma-informed and victim-centered approaches to justice. On January 23rd, 2026, the bill was heard in the Senate Law and Justice committee with survivors and advocates of FGM/C testifying virtually and in person, along with submitted written testimony in support of the bill.
SB 6017 has since advanced out of the Senate Law & Justice Committee, marking an important step forward.
If signed into law, the bill will allow courts to appoint a third party to conduct cross-examination when defendants represent themselves, preventing survivors from being directly questioned by their abusers. It also explicitly extends the Sexual Assault Survivor Bill of Rights to include survivors by recognizing FGM/C as a form of sexual violence, ensuring access to information, interpretation services, victim compensation, and updates on investigations and prosecutions. Additional provisions align consent laws for forensic exams for minors and extend the SAFE Advisory Group to continue developing actionable, trauma-informed policies. Together, these measures strengthen Washington’s commitment to survivor dignity and equity.
On February 5th, the bill was heard in the Senate Ways and Means committee and passed on February 9th to the Rules Committee. On February 12th, the Rules committee placed the bill on second reading, making it eligible for further debate and amendments.
