The bill aims to address the increasing demands on the legal system and support services due to a rise in gender-based violence in Washington State. It recognizes the significant increase in protection order filings, which have surged by as much as 50% in some counties, and the corresponding need for compliance hearings related to weapon surrender orders. The legislation highlights the challenges faced by community-based domestic violence and sexual assault agencies, which have had to turn away survivors due to capacity constraints, and notes the lack of wage increases for frontline staff who support these victims.

To tackle these issues, the bill allows counties to impose a 0.1 percent sales and use tax without requiring voter approval. The revenue generated from this tax is designated specifically for addressing gender-based violence and can be used for various purposes, including funding for courts, victim advocacy programs, legal assistance, housing for survivors, and treatment programs for perpetrators. This initiative aims to provide essential resources to manage the increased volume of cases and support victims effectively.