Olympia — House Bill 1816, now advancing to the House floor for a vote in the Washington State House of Representatives, is a crucial step toward expanding our idea of public safety, making it more responsive to people in need of shelter, behavioral health, and connection to life-saving services. Championed by 43rd Legislative District Representative Shaun Scott (D-Seattle), this legislation empowers big city mayors and executive heads of large counties in Washington to establish community-driven alternatives to 911, ensuring that people in crisis receive the care they need—whether that means medical support, mental health services, or social assistance.
EMERGENCY RESPONSE HAS ALWAYS BEEN A FIGHT FOR JUSTICE
The struggle to secure life-saving emergency care for marginalized communities is not new. In the 1960s, Black neighborhoods in Pittsburgh were effectively excluded from the 911 system—operators simply refused to send ambulances. In response, the Freedom House Ambulance Service was established in 1967, training Black paramedics and revolutionizing emergency medical services as we know them today. This community-led initiative became the foundation for modern EMT services, proving that when those in power neglect public safety, working-class communities step up to protect their own.
A NEW VISION FOR PUBLIC SAFETY
By giving cities and counties the authority to implement alternative 911 response programs, House Bill 1816 creates space for solutions that prioritize health, dignity, and justice. As House Bill 1816 moves to the House floor, Washington has a chance to lead the nation in building a system where every call for help is met with the right response.
House Bill 1816 has garnered support from lawmakers, public safety officials, and community leaders alike. 43rd L.D. Representative Shaun Scott emphasized the importance of this legislation, stating, “All Washingtonians deserve effective public safety services, and that includes first responders trained in the ways of compassion. 911 alternative response is one of the most popular ideas in Washington State, supported by progressive voters in deep ‘blue’ cities and rural Republicans alike. The time is now for Washington lawmakers to unite around the common cause of community care.”
Chief of the Seattle Community Assisted Response & Engagement (CARE) Department Amy Barden underscored the need for investment in the right emergency response services, saying, “It is long past time to invest in the best first response to 911 calls, and to actually acknowledge the nature of these calls all across Washington State. Two of our most frequent Priority 1 calls in King County are suicide and overdose; we need behavioral health first responders who are classified and compensated as such.”
Assistant Chief Daniel Nelson reinforced the effectiveness of alternative response programs, highlighting Seattle’s experience with its CARE team: “Alternative responses to non-criminal 911 calls are crucial for ensuring that individuals in crisis receive the most appropriate care while allowing law enforcement to focus on serious public safety concerns. Historically, police officers have shouldered the responsibility of responding to a wide range of calls including those related to mental health care, homelessness, [and] substance use issues that often require medical, social, [or] psychological interventions rather than a criminal justice response.”
A MORE JUST AND EFFECTIVE RESPONSE
House Bill 1816 continues the legacy of community-driven emergency response. Cities across the country have implemented alternative emergency response models—like the CAHOOTS program in Oregon—which dispatch mental health workers and medics to nonviolent crises. These models save lives, reduce harm, and keep emergency response rooted in care rather than criminalization.
By giving cities and counties the authority to implement alternative 911 response programs, House Bill 1816 creates space for solutions that prioritize health, dignity, and justice. As it moves to the House floor, Washington has a chance to lead the nation in ensuring that every call for help is met with the right response at the right time.
To follow the progress of this bill, click here.