WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 1460

Concerning protection order hope cards.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Lauren Davis and 4 co-sponsors

Washington requires courts to distribute "hope cards" with protection orders, providing abuse survivors with information on support services and resource contacts.

Effective date 7/27/2025.
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1460

Legislative bill overview

HB 1460 establishes "hope cards" as a standardized tool to be distributed with domestic violence and sexual assault protection orders in Washington State. These cards provide information about resources, services, and support available to individuals who have obtained protective orders, along with guidance on enforcing and modifying those orders.

Why is this important

Protection orders are critical safety tools, but individuals obtaining them often lack clear information about available resources, support services, and how to effectively use their legal protections. Hope cards serve as an immediate, portable reference that can help survivors connect with counseling, legal aid, shelter, and other essential services while navigating the aftermath of abuse.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation costs and court burden: Courts must develop, print, and distribute cards with each protection order, creating administrative and financial requirements across all Washington counties
  • Resource accuracy and maintenance: Cards list specific services and contact information that requires regular updating; outdated resources could provide false hope or lead survivors to defunct services
  • Sufficiency of information: Critics may argue that a single card cannot adequately represent the breadth of available services, or conversely, that too much information becomes overwhelming for traumatized individuals

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

Sign in to ask a question.