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Bill

SB 5227

Concerning offenses involving child sex dolls.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jeff Holy and 1 co-sponsor

SB 5227 criminalizes possession, distribution, and manufacture of child sex dolls in Washington with specified penalties for violators.

Senate Rules "X" file.
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Bill Summary · SB 5227

Legislative bill overview

SB 5227 proposes to criminalize the possession, distribution, and manufacture of child sex dolls in Washington State. The bill creates new criminal offenses with specified penalties for individuals involved with these synthetic child representations. A substitute version was approved by the Senate Law & Justice Committee in February 2025.

Why is this important

Child sex dolls are a contentious issue at the intersection of free speech, child protection, and law enforcement priorities. Supporters argue the dolls normalize child sexual abuse and may facilitate grooming; opponents raise concerns about criminalizing inanimate objects and whether such laws effectively prevent actual child abuse. This bill represents Washington's policy stance on whether these items should be illegal.

Potential points of contention

  • First Amendment implications: Whether banning synthetic objects constitutes impermissible restriction of expression or adult material, and how courts might evaluate such restrictions
  • Effectiveness debate: Limited empirical evidence on whether child sex doll restrictions meaningfully reduce child sexual abuse or if they misdirect law enforcement resources
  • Definition and scope: How precisely "child sex dolls" are defined in the statute and whether the definition could inadvertently capture other materials or products

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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