OLYMPIA – A bill prioritizing the safety and well-being of workers in the adult entertainment industry was signed into law by Gov. Jay Inslee today.  

Senate Bill 6105, championed by Sen. Rebecca Saldaña (D-Seattle), introduces crucial regulations aimed at fostering a secure and professional environment in adult entertainment establishments. The new law addresses the pressing need for comprehensive measures to safeguard the rights and dignity of adult entertainment workers.  

“Strippers are workers, and they should be given the same rights and protections as any other labor force,” Saldaña emphasized. “If they are employed at a legal establishment in Washington, they deserve the safeguards that every worker is entitled to, including protection from exploitation, trafficking, and abuse.” 

The newly signed law includes several critical provisions: 

  • Training: Employers within adult entertainment establishments must ensure that their staff undergo third-party professionally developed training. This training, to be completed within specific timelines, encompasses crucial topics such as preventing sexual harassment, identifying and reporting human trafficking, conflict de-escalation, and first aid. 
  • Safety Measures: The law mandates the provision of panic buttons in areas where entertainers may be alone with customers, ensuring immediate assistance in case of emergencies. Additionally, establishments are required to have dedicated security personnel during specified hours to monitor interactions and maintain a heightened level of safety. 
  • Fair Labor Practices: The bill improves labor practices by establishing clear contracts and prohibiting unfair financial burdens on workers, such as late fees and charges resulting from unpaid balances. 
  • Liquor License Compliance: To ensure accountability, the law ties new liquor licenses to compliance with safety regulations, incentivizing establishments to uphold standards of safety and fairness to allow the sale of liquor. 

“It is crucial that we confront the stigma surrounding adult entertainment and recognize the humanity of those involved in the industry,” Saldaña said. “Turning a blind eye to the exploitation and vulnerability faced by adult entertainers serves only to perpetuate injustice and harm. We need to recognize workers’ rights to safeguard their well-being.”