The bill establishes a framework for political subdivisions in Washington with populations exceeding 200,000 to create civilian-staffed crisis response teams. These teams are designed to provide non-law enforcement responses to individuals in crisis, safety and welfare checks, or resource requests, particularly in situations where there is no active or imminent violence. The crisis response teams can serve as primary responders to 911 calls under specific conditions and may also act as secondary support to law enforcement. The bill outlines the qualifications, training, and operational parameters for these teams, emphasizing the importance of collaboration with local health authorities and other relevant organizations.

Additionally, the bill amends RCW 42.56.230 to expand the exemptions from public inspection and copying of personal information to include individuals receiving public safety or health services from non-law enforcement agencies. This change aims to enhance privacy protections for vulnerable populations while ensuring that the crisis response teams can operate effectively without compromising individual privacy rights. The legislation reinforces the role of these teams as a parallel response option alongside traditional law enforcement and fire services, with provisions for collective bargaining regarding their working conditions.