To the Honorable Senator Andy Billig, and State Representatives Marcus Riccelli and Timm Ormsby:

RCW 9A.36.080-Malicious Harassment, essentially spells out what constitutes a hate crime here in Washington State. Specifically, a malicious and intended act against another citizen because of the perpetrator's perception of the victim's race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, or mental, physical, or sensory handicap.

Sadly, the targeting of a law enforcement officer is not listed under the statute of a hate crime. That omission is outrageous and unacceptable.And yet, This year is shaping up to be a more violent year for officers than 2015. Overall, officer fatalities from all causes including accidents are up 16 percent from last year, according to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. But the number of officers fatally shot by suspects is up by 67 percent year over year.

In May of this year, Louisiana became the first state in the nation to make it a hate crime to target police officers.

I encourage you, indeed challenge you, to propose legislation that makes Washington the second state in the nation to do so, when the State Legislature convenes in January.

Highest regards,

Jeanette L. Rockstrom

Concerned citizen of the 3rd Legislative District, and sister-in-law to a Law Enforcement Officer