The bill seeks to enhance protections and access to leave for workers who are victims of hate crimes or bias incidents, amending the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) to include these terms alongside existing protections for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. Key insertions in the bill include definitions for "hate crime" and "bias incident," which clarify the scope of these terms and their implications for victims. The legislation emphasizes the importance of allowing victims to maintain financial independence and access necessary services without facing discrimination or adverse economic consequences.

Additionally, the bill outlines the rights of employees to take reasonable leave for various purposes related to these incidents, such as seeking legal assistance or medical treatment, and prohibits employers from discriminating against victims. It mandates that employers provide reasonable safety accommodations unless it imposes an undue hardship. The bill also reinforces the confidentiality of victim information, ensures victims are informed of their rights, and allows for the presence of advocates during legal proceedings. Furthermore, it establishes responsibilities for prosecuting attorneys to keep victims informed and grants victims the right to present impact statements at sentencing hearings, with provisions for seeking compliance through the court if their rights are denied.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 49.76.010, 49.76.020, 49.76.030, 49.76.040, 49.76.060, 49.76.115, 7.69.030