CLAIM: Washington state passed a bill that will incentivize people to report hate speech and bias on a 24/7 hotline with a cash reward.
AP’S ASSESSMENT: False. The final version of the bill, SB 5427, signed by Washington Gov. Jay Inslee, a Democrat, on Tuesday, does not offer any such compensation. In its original version, the bill outlined a fund that would have allowed for victims of hate crimes or bias incidents to receive up to $2,000. All versions of the bill stipulate the establishment of a reporting hotline that will be staffed during business hours, not 24/7.
THE FACTS: Soon after the bill was signed into law, social media users falsely claimed that it will allow people to tattletale on members of their community for financial gain.
“Not satire: Washington state has passed a law offering cash as an incentive to report hate speech and bias via a 24/7 hotline,” reads one X post that had received approximately 9,900 likes and shares as of Friday.
Syrian, Russian forces destroy 'terrorist' strongholds in N. Syria
Chelsea receive welcome boost as Cole Palmer trains with his team
Building at end of Southern California pier catches fire, sending smoke billowing onto beach
5 cars from the Beijing auto show that reflect China's vision for the future of driving
Popular Chinese crosstalk comedians bring laughter, cultural charisma to London
Tiger Woods' son Charlie shoots +9 in US Open qualifying as 15
Pet Shop Boys' 'Nonetheless' review: Catchy and bittersweet
Repatriated South African apartheid
Chinese Language Day celebrated at UN with cultural exhibition
Eintracht Frankfurt uses option to buy PSG striker Hugo Ekitiké following loan move
8th Aswan int'l women film festival opens in Egypt
A Russian journalist has been detained for posts criticizing the military, his lawyer says