This bill aims to enhance safety and support for survivors of sexual assault and harassment at higher education institutions in Washington. It introduces specific rights for student survivors, including access to trauma-informed care, timely investigations of complaints, mental health services, and confidential support. Institutions are mandated to provide training for employees on trauma-informed practices and establish committees to evaluate and improve supportive measures for survivors. The bill also prohibits institutions from pressuring students into nondisclosure agreements regarding sexual misconduct and sets strict timelines for the Title IX investigation process. Key provisions include the establishment of a student health and safety committee at larger institutions, educational programs on sexual violence, and the inclusion of a support hotline on student ID cards.

Additionally, the bill amends existing laws related to postsecondary educational institutions by introducing new definitions for terms such as "sex-based and gender-based violence and harassment" and "sexual misconduct." It updates the definition of "student" and establishes a requirement for institutions to conduct campus climate assessments every five years to evaluate diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as the prevalence of discrimination and sexual assault. The design of these assessments must involve students and diversity officers, and institutions are required to conduct annual listening sessions on diversity, equity, and inclusion, compensating student participants. Starting July 1, 2022, institutions must report their findings and progress on these assessments annually to relevant state boards and publish the results on their public websites.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 28B.112.040, 28B.10.147