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Hotline to report hate crimes launched in three Washington counties
The pilot is expected to run for 18 months, after which the hotline is scheduled to expand statewide by January 2027.
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Pranavi Sharma - Thu, 10, Jul 2025
- 00:18 EDT
- 72
Stock image. / istock
A new hate crimes and bias incidents hotline launched on July 1 across three Washington counties—Clark, King, and Spokane—aimed at offering residents a direct and culturally competent channel to report incidents.
The non-emergency hotline, managed by the Washington Attorney General’s Office, is part of a pilot program created under Senate Bill 5427, which passed with bipartisan support in 2024.
Washington has consistently ranked among the top five U.S. states with the most reported hate crimes since 2018, according to FBI data. Officials say the new hotline provides an alternative for individuals who may not wish to contact law enforcement directly. With the caller's consent, hotline staff can assist in connecting them to trauma-informed services or law enforcement, if needed.
“Hate crimes not only directly harm individuals but also can instill harm throughout the community,” Attorney General Nick Brown said. “Success in these three counties will help us expand the hotline statewide and better understand how to combat hate crimes and bias incidents across Washington.”
The pilot is expected to run for 18 months, after which the hotline is scheduled to expand statewide by January 2027. Beginning July 1, 2027, the Attorney General’s Office will publish annual reports based on hotline data for use by the governor, state lawmakers, and the public.
Legislation and community support
The statewide hotline was established following advocacy by civil rights organizations, including the Sikh Coalition, which backed Senate Bill 5427 during its passage last year.
“The Sikh community stands firmly for justice and equality for all,” said Jasmit Singh, executive director of the Khalsa Gurmat Center and co-founder of the Sikh Coalition. “We commend the establishment of the hotline as a crucial mechanism for those who have experienced prejudice or hate to have their voices heard. This hotline empowers communities and reinforces the message that hate has no home in Washington state.”
Sen. Javier Valdez, who sponsored the bill, said, “We took an important step in 2019 by changing our hate crime laws — but the rise in hate and bias incidents shows there’s still more to do. That’s why this hotline matters. It’s not just about policy — it’s about people.”
Local officials, advocates, and community members expressed support for the pilot, calling it a vital tool for accountability, trust-building, and community safety in a time of growing incidents of hate across the state.
THREAD: On July 1, Washington state launched a hate crime and bias incident hotline pilot program in three counties. https://t.co/RFFyXFXEmD
— Sikh Coalition (@sikh_coalition) July 9, 2025
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