WA's Hate Crime Hotline pilot to launch in 3 counties
In this year’s legislative session, WA passed SB 5427, creating a hate crimes and bias incidents hotline. Today, Attorney General, Bob Ferguson, announced that the hotline will be launched in 3 Washington counties on July 1, 2025 as a pilot program. These counties are King, Spokane and Clark.
The new law, sponsored by Sen. Javier Valdez, D-Seattle, creates a first-of-its-kind statewide hotline where Washingtonians can report hate crimes and bias incidents, and receive information and referrals. The hotline will help combat hate crimes and bias incidents by collecting invaluable statewide data on hate and bias incidents that is not currently available. The Attorney General’s Office will publish an annual report detailing hate crimes and bias incidents in Washington. The hotline will share information with law enforcement when tips involve potential crimes and the person reporting the crime gives consent. Other incidents of bias and hate will be referred to other types of resources, such as support services or counseling.
The hotline will be staffed by the AG’s office during business hours. With the consent of “victims”, hotline staff will reach out to law enforcement, counseling and other support services. According to the AG’s press release, personal identifying information will not be available for public disclosure.
What are hate crimes and bias incidents?
According to the law and the press release from the attorney general:
Washington law defines a hate crime as assault, property damage or threats to cause injury or property damage that is committed because of the perception of a person’s race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, or disability.
Bias incidents are acts of prejudice that are not criminal in nature and do not involve violence, threats, or property damage. Just because these incidents cannot be criminally charged does not mean they are not important to report.
Particularly dangerous is the language about “perception”. We cannot define crimes based on “perception.” This would be a constantly moving target and would differ for each individual.
This policy sets a dangerous precedent. It is anti-American and unconstitutional. We cannot be making it a “crime” to offend someone, which is essentially what this policy/hotline does.
The hotline will be expanded statewide by July 1, 2027.
We will continue to watch this issue and bring you the latest updates as it advances in Washington and likely other states around the country.
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