Bill > HB2523

This bill aims to continue and refine the state's community reinvestment program, which was established to address historical racial, economic, and social disparities stemming from past drug laws. It amends existing law to allow funds from the community reinvestment account to be used for economic development, including grants for small businesses and asset building, civil and criminal legal assistance for post-conviction relief like expunging records, community-based violence intervention and prevention, reentry services for formerly incarcerated individuals, and agricultural and economic support for marginalized communities. The bill also introduces provisions for organizations providing specialized services to apply on a statewide basis, outlines conditions for non-"by and for community organizations" to receive grants for specialized legal services, and mandates that funds be allocated across different strategies with specific minimum and maximum percentages. Furthermore, it establishes a work group to plan for the joint administration of the program by the Washington State Office of Equity and the Department of Commerce, requires a study by the Washington State Institute for Public Policy on the program's distribution and impact, and mandates periodic updates to the community reinvestment plan.

Budget and Finance, Business and Industry

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=2523&Year=2025&Initiative=false