Thanks to recently passed legislation, Washington could establish a new hate crime hotline as early as 2025.
Senate Bill 5427, introduced by Sen. Javier Valdez (D-Seattle), successfully passed the state House of Representatives on Wednesday with unanimous support from Democrats and mostly Republican opponents. The bill also states that the Attorney General’s Office would “oversee a hate crime and bias incident hotline, staff it during business hours, and provide assistance to those targeted and affected by hate crimes and bias incidents.” We are committed to providing support.”
The hotline will primarily focus on “historically underserved communities” and “identify local service providers and culturally specific services.” In addition, the Secretariat will establish an advisory committee with “diverse and inclusive representation” to provide advice and support.
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The new bill would help establish a hotline for reporting hate crimes and bias incidents. (St. Petersburg)
The bill states that a pilot hotline program must be developed and implemented in at least three Washington counties by July 2025 and available in all counties by January 2027. There is. By July 2027, the Attorney General’s Office will be required to provide information on hate crimes. Incidents of bias are reported to a hotline and annual reports are made available to the public.
The bill will now go to Governor Jay Inslee’s desk for his signature.
Senate Bill 5427 previously failed to pass the state Senate Ways and Means Committee in 2023, with critics calling the bill a “joke” that encourages people to “make money” from hate crimes under one of the bill’s provisions. He attacked the company for calling it a hotline.
“The Office of the Attorney General will assist the subjects of or affected by hate crimes and bias incidents by authorizing expenditures from the Washington Hate Crimes and Bias Incident Account set forth in Section 3 of this Act.” May provide compensation to individuals up to $2,000 per person or bigot, subject to the availability of funds in the account and subject to the specific hate crime or bias incident. subject to the requirements of this Act,” the original House bill reads.
The bill will be sent to Washington Governor Jay Inslee for his signature. ((Photo credit: Elaine Thompson – Pool/Getty Images))
The latest Senate bill does not include any reference to compensation for “affected” people.
Washington state lawmakers in 2019 approved the creation of a hate crime category in which perpetrators intentionally or maliciously commit crimes based on race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, or other identity. It is defined as a crime that causes physical harm to another person.
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Hate crimes are considered felonies in Washington State. (St. Petersburg)
Hate crimes are considered Class C felonies in the state, punishable by up to five years in prison or a $100,000 fine, according to the Attorney General’s Office. Victims of hate crimes can also file a civil lawsuit against the perpetrator for up to $100,000 in damages, including attorney’s fees.
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FOX News’ Emma Colton contributed to this report.
