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Bill

HB 1601

Allowing for the deduction of certain capital gains by a crime victim.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Beth Doglio and 3 co-sponsors

HB 1601 allows Washington crime victims to deduct certain capital gains from state taxes to provide financial relief during recovery from criminal harm.

First reading, referred to Finance.
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1601

Legislative bill overview

HB 1601 would allow crime victims in Washington to deduct certain capital gains from their taxable income as a form of financial relief. The bill specifically targets victims who have experienced financial harm through criminal activity, enabling them to reduce their state tax burden by excluding qualifying capital gains from taxation. This represents a targeted tax provision designed to provide economic recovery support to crime victims.

Why is this important

Crime victims often face substantial financial losses beyond their immediate safety concerns, including medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage. Tax relief could meaningfully reduce the financial burden of recovery during an already difficult period. However, Washington currently has no capital gains tax on most transactions, making the scope and actual impact of this provision unclear without additional context on what "certain capital gains" means in practice.

Potential points of contention

  • Definition ambiguity: The bill's reference to "certain capital gains" lacks specificity—unclear which types qualify, how victims prove eligibility, and whether this conflicts with existing crime victim compensation programs
  • Tax policy consistency: Adding victim-specific capital gains deductions may create precedent for other taxpayer classes seeking similar exemptions, potentially complicating the tax code
  • Implementation and verification: Determining which victims qualify and preventing fraud would require administrative resources; coordination with law enforcement records and victim services agencies would be necessary

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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