This bill aims to enhance the funding and sustainability of victim services programs in Washington state, recognizing their critical role in public safety and the challenges posed by fluctuating federal funding. The legislature acknowledges that stable funding is essential for providing trauma-informed, culturally relevant, and accessible services to crime victims. To address these needs, the bill establishes a new section in chapter 7.68 RCW that mandates specific annual appropriations for victim services, starting with $50 million for the 2025-2027 biennium and increasing to $70 million by the 2033-2035 biennium.

Additionally, the bill requires the Office of Crime Victims Advocacy to report to the legislature every five years after reaching the $70 million funding level, providing data on crime victim services and recommendations for future funding. The legislation stipulates that state funds must be administered alongside federal victims of crime act funds, ensuring they supplement existing funding rather than replace it, and outlines that these funds cannot be used for capital projects.