WA HB1428

Increases the annual transfer to the county criminal justice assistance account from $23.2 million to $50 million, with an additional 50% increase beginning in fiscal year 2026

Increases the annual transfer to the municipal criminal justice assistance account from $4.6 million to $50 million under two separate provisions (RCW 82.14.320 and RCW 82.14.330), with an additional 50% increase beginning in fiscal year 2026

Removes eligibility requirements for cities to receive municipal criminal justice distributions, including the prior requirements that cities levy certain taxes at maximum rates and have per capita tax yields below 150% of the statewide average

Funds must be used exclusively for criminal justice purposes and cannot replace or supplant existing funding; criminal justice purposes include domestic violence services, programs for at-risk youth, and innovative law enforcement strategies

Distributions to counties are based on a formula weighing population, crime rate, and criminal cases filed in superior court; distributions to cities are based on population and crime rates exceeding statewide averages