The bill aims to enhance the community reinvestment program in Washington State by addressing historical racial, economic, and social disparities resulting from past criminal laws related to drug possession and use. It establishes a framework for the distribution of funds from the community reinvestment account, which includes an initial appropriation of $1 billion for the 2023-2025 fiscal biennium, with additional funding planned for subsequent biennia. The bill mandates the Department of Commerce, in collaboration with the Office of Equity and community organizations, to update the community reinvestment plan every ten years, ensuring that the distribution of funds is effective and meets the needs of historically marginalized communities.

Key provisions include the creation of a new section that outlines the responsibilities of the Department of Commerce in updating the community reinvestment plan, which must include criteria for eligible communities and accountability measures. Additionally, the Washington State Institute for Public Policy is tasked with conducting a study to analyze the distribution and use of funds from the community reinvestment account, with a report due by June 30, 2027. The bill also emphasizes the importance of prioritizing nonprofit, faith-based, and grassroots organizations for funding, and it establishes a timeline for ongoing reporting and evaluation of the program's effectiveness.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 43.79.567