WA SB6017

Expands rights currently granted to sexual assault survivors to all survivors of sexual violence, including female genital mutilation (FGM), affecting an estimated 25,000 women and girls in Washington state

Allows courts to appoint a representative to question victims on behalf of pro se defendants in sexual assault or domestic violence cases, protecting survivors from direct cross-examination by their alleged abusers

Permits minors age 13 and older to consent to forensic examinations for evidence collection in domestic violence cases involving nonfatal strangulation

Extends the SAFE (Sexual Assault Forensic Examination) advisory group from July 1, 2026 to July 1, 2028, and expands its duties to include researching trauma-informed, culturally sensitive policies to prevent and address FGM and other sexual violence

Adds a definition of "female genital mutilation" to the sexual assault services chapter and increases survivor representation on the SAFE advisory group from two to three members