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WashingtonSB 51052025-2026 Regular SessionSenate

Concerning offenses involving fabricated depictions of minors.

Sponsored By: Member 14205

Became Law

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

7 provisions identified: 5 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.

AI child sexual images now covered

The law expands "digitization" to include AI and other automated tools. It defines a fabricated depiction as a digitized image that shows a minor in sexual conduct and is obscene or makes someone identifiable. Fabricated depictions now count as visual or printed matter. This means fake or edited child sexual images are treated the same as real photos under the law.

No sexual photos of unconscious minors

The law bans causing a minor to be photographed or to perform live sexual acts when the minor is unconscious or unaware. This sexual exploitation is a class B felony.

Possessing or viewing fake child images

Possessing fake or edited images that show a minor in sexual conduct is a crime. First- and second-degree possession are class B felonies. Intentionally viewing these images online is also a crime. First-degree viewing is a class B felony; second degree is a class C felony. Each image can be a separate possession count, and each internet session can be a separate viewing count. The law keeps limited defenses for minors and for approved research or legislative requests.

Selling or importing fake child images

Adults who make, sell, share, finance, or hold fake child sexual images to distribute commit a class B felony. Bringing or sending these images into Washington for sale or distribution is also a class B felony. Each image or incident can be a separate crime.

Teens who share sexual images face penalties

Minors who distribute sexual images of other minors, including fabricated images, can be charged. Penalties depend on ages and conduct. Cases can range from misdemeanors to felonies. When the depicted child is age 12 or younger, charges can be class B felonies.

Federal rules for providers stay in place

The law keeps federal liability rules for providers under 18 U.S.C. § 2258e. State changes do not remove federal criminal or civil liability. Online services can still face federal charges or lawsuits.

10-year window to charge depiction crimes

The law sets a 10-year time limit to prosecute listed depiction offenses. This includes dealing, possession, sending or bringing into the state, and viewing (first and second degree versions). Cases must start within 10 years of the crime, unless another law sets a different limit.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Member 14205

    House

Cosponsors

  • Claire Wilson

    Democratic • Senate

  • Jesse Salomon

    Democratic • Senate

  • Leonard Christian

    Republican • Senate

  • Lisa Wellman

    Democratic • Senate

  • Manka Dhingra

    Democratic • Senate

  • T'wina Nobles

    Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 191 • No: 0

House vote • 3/3/2026

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 93 • No: 0 • Other: 5

Senate vote • 1/28/2026

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 49 • No: 0

Senate vote • 2/5/2025

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 49 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Effective date 6/11/2026.

    3/25/2026Senate

  2. Chapter 223, 2026 Laws.

    3/25/2026Senate

  3. Governor signed.

    3/25/2026legislature

  4. Delivered to Governor.

    3/9/2026legislature

  5. Speaker signed.

    3/5/2026legislature

  6. President signed.

    3/4/2026legislature

  7. Third reading, passed; yeas, 93; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 5.

    3/3/2026Senate

  8. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    3/3/2026Senate

  9. Rules Committee relieved of further consideration. Placed on second reading.

    3/2/2026Senate

  10. Referred to Rules 2 Review.

    2/25/2026Senate

  11. CS - Executive action taken by committee.

    2/24/2026Senate

  12. CS - Majority; do pass.

    2/24/2026Senate

  13. First reading, referred to Community Safety.

    1/30/2026Senate

  14. Third reading, passed; yeas, 49; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 0.

    1/28/2026Senate

  15. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    1/28/2026Senate

  16. Floor amendment(s) adopted.

    1/28/2026Senate

  17. Returned to second reading for amendment.

    1/28/2026Senate

  18. Rules suspended.

    1/28/2026Senate

  19. Placed on third reading by Rules Committee.

    1/21/2026Senate

  20. By resolution, reintroduced and retained in present status.

    1/12/2026Senate

  21. By resolution, returned to Senate Rules Committee for third reading.

    4/27/2025Senate

  22. Referred to Appropriations.

    4/2/2025Senate

  23. Minority; without recommendation.

    3/31/2025Senate

  24. CS - Majority; do pass with amendment(s).

    3/31/2025Senate

  25. CS - Executive action taken by committee.

    3/31/2025Senate

Bill Text

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