Washington State is on track to establish a new hate crime hotline by 2025, following the recent passing of Senate Bill 5427. Sponsored by Sen. Javier Valdez, D-Seattle, the bill received unanimous support from Democrats but faced opposition from Republicans in the state House.
The hotline, overseen by the attorney general’s office, will be dedicated to assisting individuals who have been targeted or affected by hate crimes and bias incidents. It will prioritize identifying local service providers and culturally specific services, with a focus on historically underserved communities. Additionally, an advisory committee with diverse representation will be established to provide guidance and support.
The bill mandates the development and implementation of a pilot hotline program in at least three Washington counties by July 2025, expanding to all counties by January 2027. By July 2027, the attorney general’s office will be required to provide public reports on hate crimes and bias incidents reported to the hotline.
While the original House bill included provisions for compensation for individuals affected by hate crimes, the latest version does not mention this aspect. Hate crimes are classified as Class C felonies in Washington, punishable by up to five years in prison and/or a $100,000 fine. Victims can also seek damages through civil lawsuits.
The bill now awaits Governor Jay Inslee’s signature to become law. This initiative builds on Washington’s efforts to combat hate crimes, with the state having established a category for such crimes in 2019.
Overall, the establishment of a hate crime hotline in Washington aims to provide support and resources to those impacted by hate crimes and bias incidents, promoting a safer and more inclusive community for all residents.
