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Bill

Bill

SB 5273

Concerning the availability of community violence prevention and intervention services.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Annette Cleveland and 10 co-sponsors

Washington bill expands community-based violence prevention services to reduce violence through intervention programs rather than law enforcement alone.

Public hearing in the Senate Committee on Health & Long-Term Care at 8:00 AM.
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Bill Summary · SB 5273

Legislative bill overview

SB 5273 addresses the availability and accessibility of community violence prevention and intervention services in Washington State. The bill, sponsored by five Democratic senators, establishes frameworks or requirements for expanding these services, which focus on addressing violence through community-based programs rather than traditional law enforcement responses.

Why is this important

Community violence intervention programs have demonstrated effectiveness in reducing gun violence and repeat offenses in numerous cities, offering alternatives to incarceration while addressing root causes. As violence prevention gains attention nationally, how Washington structures and funds these services will influence public safety outcomes and set precedent for similar programs.

Potential points of contention

  • Funding mechanism: How the state will finance expanded services and whether existing public safety budgets will be redirected or new appropriations required
  • Geographic equity: Questions about whether services will be equitably distributed across urban and rural communities, or concentrated in urban centers where violence intervention models are most established
  • Measurable outcomes: Debate over what constitutes success, how programs will be evaluated, and accountability if violence prevention targets are not met

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

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