A legislative proposal aims to impose a new tax on online dating platforms, potentially affecting the costs for users seeking love through apps like Tinder, Bumble, and Match.com. Introduced by a state lawmaker, this bill seeks to levy a $1 excise tax per active user in Washington each month. The responsibility for deciding whether this cost is passed on to consumers lies with the companies.
The initiator of this legislative effort is Representative Lauren Davis from Shoreline, who presented House Bill 2071. The bill’s primary goal is to generate funding for essential services such as support for domestic violence victims, intervention programs, and treatment for perpetrators. The tax would not extend to users who have been inactive on their accounts for a period exceeding 24 months.
Davis emphasizes the significance of addressing domestic violence, highlighting that perpetrators pose a substantial risk not only to their partners but to community safety as a whole. She points out that having a domestic violence conviction often indicates a higher likelihood of recidivism and violent crime, making these individuals particularly dangerous.
As a survivor of domestic violence, Davis shared her personal experience during a committee meeting at the State Capitol in 2023. Recalling a past relationship characterized by psychological abuse and control, she described the challenges she faced in leaving her abuser, illustrating the urgent need for adequate support services.
Davis criticizes the state’s failure to fulfill funding commitments following the passage of House Bill 1169, which eliminated the Crime Victims Penalty without compensating for the loss of financial resources. She asserts that the support services for victims, particularly those operating within prosecutors’ offices, are underfunded, leaving victims to navigate a legal system that often prioritizes the rights of defendants over their needs.
As of now, online dating services have not offered any comments regarding the proposed tax. Updates will follow as responses are received.
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- Cost Impact: If passed, the tax could increase subscription costs for users of dating apps, depending on whether companies decide to absorb the tax or pass it on to consumers.
- Funding for Services: The bill would provide vital financial resources for domestic violence support services, potentially improving the lives of those affected by such violence.
- Business Adjustments: Online dating companies may need to adjust their pricing strategies and business models to accommodate the new tax, potentially affecting their operations in Washington.
- Legal System Support: The initiative highlights the need for a more balanced legal system that supports victims as well as defendants, potentially prompting broader discussions on legal reforms.
- Community Safety: By targeting funding to address domestic violence, the bill could contribute to enhanced community safety and reduction in related crimes.