Predator Protection Act

Click Here to Oppose This Bill

Senate Bill 5312 (SB 5312), sponsored by Senator Lisa Wellman (D-Mercer Island), was introduced in the 2025 legislative session. It aims to reduce penalties for individuals convicted in “Net Nanny” internet sting operations run by the Washington State Patrol’s Missing and Exploited Children Task Force. In these stings, law enforcement poses as minors online to catch potential predators. The bill targets cases where no real child was involved, proposing two key changes: 

1. Shortening Sex Offender Registration: Reducing the registration period from an indefinite term (often lifetime) to five years for those with no prior sex offense convictions. 

2. Reducing Community Supervision: Limiting supervision to three years instead of a lifetime, again for those without a history of predatory behavior.

Senator Wellman held a town hall on Mercer Island to explain her support for this bill, but the community strongly opposes reducing sentences for individuals they view as child predators. Turnout was lower than it might have been, as the meeting was scheduled during mid-winter break—a poor choice for engaging families.

Notably, no other 41st District Democrats attended to back Wellman. Representative My-Linh Thai was absent, as was Tana Senn, who now serves as Secretary of the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) under Governor Bob Ferguson’s appointment in January 2025. Senn’s absence, given her new role, raises eyebrows—supporting lighter sentencing could be a bad look for someone overseeing child welfare.

In contrast, Mayor Salim Nice and Councilmember Jake Jacobson attended and opposed the bill. The community’s stance is clear: we don’t want leniency for those targeting kids, even in stings with no real victims. This feels like a misguided push—either reckless empathy or a disconnect from reality.

Any elected official that supports this type of lunacy should be relieved of their duties as public servants.