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Governor signs bill to fund victim advocates for domestic violence 911 calls
Summary
The Governor signed House Bill 1498, which adds a fee to marriage licenses to fund a domestic violence co-responder account so victim advocates can be available at the moment someone calls 911 rather than waiting until prosecution. Project Be Free, a nonprofit co-responder program, said the funding will help expand services.
The Governor signed House Bill 1498 into law, a measure that adds a fee to marriage licenses to create a domestic violence co-responder account aimed at ensuring victim advocates are available when survivors call 911.
The bill’s prime sponsor, Representative Lauren Davis, was introduced at the signing. The Governor described the law as a holistic approach intended to 'help break the cycle of domestic violence' by funding advocates who can respond alongside first responders at the beginning of the criminal-justice process.
Katya, cofounder and executive director of Project Be Free, which the sponsor described as 'the only domestic violence co-responder program in Washington state,' said her organization has already served nearly 800 individuals this year and expects to expand with the new funding. 'Our team is strong but mighty,' Katya said, noting staff who work around the clock would be relieved by additional resources.
The Governor used the event’s tradition of giving the signing pen to the bill’s prime sponsor and invited participants to pose for photographs after the ceremony. The law will fund the domestic violence co-responder account through the added marriage-license fee; the exact fee amount and implementation timeline were not specified at the signing.
The signing ceremony included brief remarks from the sponsor and the program leader; the Governor signed the measure and thanked advocates and first responders for their work. The office said the Governor will keep a pen and give one to the prime sponsor as a memento.
