Lawmakers hear mixed testimony on bill to shorten registration and supervision for convictions from "net nanny" stings

Senate Bill 5312 would reduce registration and supervision requirements for people convicted through so-called net nanny Internet sting operations if the person has no prior convictions indicating predatory behavior toward a minor. Kevin (staff) briefed the Law and Justice Committee that Operation Net Nanny is an Internet sting program administered by the Washington State Patrol Missing and Exploited Children Task Force since 2015; from 2015–2023 the task force conducted 20 sting operations and made 311 arrests, according to a Washington State Institute for Public Policy summary cited in the staff briefing.

Senator Lisa Wellman, prime sponsor, said the bill targets first-time offenders convicted in net nanny stings who have no prior sexual-offense history and no other evidence of predatory behavior. "What this bill does is a time for supervision and registration, and says it's not forever," Wellman said, arguing that a defined end to registration and…