Washington Hate Crimes Hotline
📸
The following infographics were shared on social media on April 1, 2024. Sources – and direct links to view/share on multiple platforms – are provided at the bottom of this post. Please report broken links here.
On March 26, 2024, Washington state passed SB 5427, creating a "hate crimes and bias incidents" hotline. Civilian employees will refer callers to "local service providers" and share reports with police.
"Bias incident" is defined as "a person's hostile expression of animus," which has raised free speech concerns.
The original bill offered up to $2,000 per victim - a provision criticized as a "cash incentive" to report family and friends. The final bill removed it.
The bill states personal identifying information is "confidential and exempt from public inspection."
✏️ References
Finne, L. (January 2024). SB 5427, to Provide Up to $2,000 for People to Report Their Neighbors for "Hate Crimes" and "Bias Incidents." Washington Policy Center.
Washington Senate Bill 5427. (5 February 2024). Full Text (Passed Bill).
Washington Senate Bill 5427. (n.d.). History.
Washington Senate Bill 5427. (17 January 2023). Original Bill (Not Passed).
Members Discussion
Join the discussion
Become a Serious Thinker to start commenting.
Get Access