Bill could create youth safety tip line

State legislators, including one local senator, are considering a bill establishing a tip line in Washington to help youth whose safety or well-being may be at risk.

Senate Bill 5327 would require the state Attorney General to establish the Youth Empowered to Speak-Up tip line, according to the bill’s text. The tip line would respond to tips regarding potential risks to the safety of those younger than 25 years old.

Sen. Sharon Brown, R-Kennewick, is SB 5327’s primary sponsor. Sen. Judy Warnick, R-Moses Lake, is co-sponsoring the bill.

Brown said during the virtual hearing Thursday the idea for SB 5237 came from a constituent who struggled with suicide. The constituent not only shared his struggles with Brown, but he also showed a tip line app Michigan has been using for several years, Brown said.

“If we can save one life through this bill, we all will be successful in this state,” Brown said.

Youth suicides are troubling to Brown, she said, and it has been on the rise before, during and possibly even after the COVID-19 pandemic. Washington state “needs to get another tool in the box” to help the youth who are struggling, she said.

“It just breaks my heart because we are lacking in resources in this state,” Brown said. “That’s the genesis of the bill.”

Warnick said in an interview with the Herald other legislators have had real concerns about the increase in suicide rates among young people. SB 5327 would establish a tip line, which is something that may provide a helpful solution.

“Unfortunately, we’ve had some suicides in our area,” Warnick said. “I’ve been sensitive to whatever we can do to help families.”

Warnick said in the future, she would also like to establish a similar tip line for agricultural workers. There, too, has been an increase in suicide attempts among those who work in agriculture.

“I’m just glad (the bill) is moving forward as quickly as it is,” Warnick said.

Under SB 5327, an advisory committee would also be established to help with the tip line program, according to the bill’s text. The committee would consist of representatives from the state Department of Health and other public agencies.

Youth, especially those from marginalized communities, would also be consulted and included when creating marketing campaigns for the tip line program, according to the bill’s text.

The tip line will accept anonymous tips, according to the bill’s text. The person who is the subject of the tip and the person who submitted the tip would not be subject to public records disclosure.

SB 5327 passed the Senate in a 48-0 vote during the virtual floor debate Feb. 25. The bill is scheduled for an executive session in the House Children, Youth and Families Committee at 8 a.m. Wednesday.