(PatriotSpotlight.org) – The Washington state legislature has greenlit a controversial bill which will set up a statewide informant system, allowing residents to report instances of so-called “wrongspeak” in their communities. Senate Bill 5427 sailed through both of the Western state’s chambers and is currently awaiting Governor Jay Inslee’s sign-off. The plan pledges to pay “victims” up to $2,000 per incident. It was first touted as an idea by state politicians two years ago.
The bill would permit anyone, including people who are not U.S. citizens to report alleged “bias incidents” to the state attorney general’s office via a hotline which would be installed across the state by January 1, 2027. Backers of the measure say it could reduce “hate” crimes, some fear it will usher in a culture of speech surveillance and impede First Amendment rights.
SB 5427’s detractors have noted numerous constitutional concerns, including a breach of the right to confront one’s accuser, and impacts on freedom of speech, thought and faith. The bill’s vague language targeting “expressions of animus,” could also be open to misuse ambiguity over what forms of speech might be punishable.
Julie Barrett, Founder and President of the Conservative Ladies of Washington pressure group, called out the plans during a public testimony, accusing them of violating the principles of the United States Constitution and heralding a dystopian future in which unfashionable opinions are banned. Meanwhile, backers of SB 5427 allege that the monetary rewards function as compensation for perceived damages incurred by hate speech victims. Others complain that the plans incentivize unnecessary bogus reporting and undermine the right to free expression.
Under SB 5427, people reported for “wrongspeak” could also be added to a statewide database of “Bias Incidents,” which could impact their reputations and discourage people from participating in open dialogue due to fears of being targeted. As the fierce debate over these plans continues, critics of SB 5427 fear that its passage could mark a scary precedent, and encourage further erosion of constitutionally protected freedoms.
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