This bill aims to enhance the funding and sustainability of victim services programs in Washington state, recognizing the critical role these services play in public safety. It highlights the reliance on federal victims of crime act funding, which is subject to fluctuations that can destabilize the support for these essential services. The legislature commits to ensuring that victim services are trauma-informed, culturally relevant, and accessible, thereby improving the quality of support available to crime victims and their families.

To achieve this, the bill mandates that the legislature include specific appropriations in the annual budget, starting with $50 million for the 2025-2027 and 2027-2029 biennia, increasing to $60 million for the 2029-2031 and 2031-2033 biennia, and reaching $70 million for the 2033-2035 biennium and beyond. Additionally, it requires the office of crime victims advocacy to report on crime victim services and funding recommendations every five years after reaching the $70 million threshold. The bill also stipulates that state funds must be administered alongside federal funds, used to supplement existing funding, and cannot be allocated for capital projects.