This bill authorizes qualified counties in Washington to impose a sales and use tax specifically for funding behavioral health diversion programs aimed at preventing individuals with behavioral health needs from entering or remaining in the criminal justice system. A new section is added to chapter 82.14 RCW, allowing counties that have an approved behavioral health diversion plan to impose a tax not exceeding 0.1 percent on taxable events within the county. The proceeds from this tax must be allocated to various programs designed to divert individuals with behavioral health needs from the criminal justice system, including measures to reduce recidivism and create supportive programming.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that the tax can only be implemented if the county has a behavioral health diversion plan approved by the secretary of the department of social and health services. The act is contingent upon taking effect on August 1, 2025, if certain conditions are met.