The bill amends the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) to enhance oversight and training for limited authority Washington peace officers. It explicitly defines "law enforcement personnel" to include these officers, who have arrest powers and carry firearms. Starting July 1, 2023, all newly hired limited authority peace officers must complete basic training within their first year of employment, with successful completion required for continued employment. The commission will review training files of existing officers to identify any need for supplemental training. Additionally, the bill introduces new background check requirements for peace officer applicants, including checks of criminal history, social media, and psychological evaluations, with agencies required to verify compliance before making job offers.

The bill also mandates annual training for all law enforcement agencies on sexual assault and trauma-informed practices, starting in 2018, developed with input from relevant organizations. However, this requirement does not apply to limited authority agencies without jurisdiction over sexual assault investigations. Furthermore, an annual case review program will be established to evaluate law enforcement and prosecutorial practices in sexual assault cases involving adult victims, focusing on necessary changes to training and investigatory practices while analyzing the impact of race and ethnicity on case outcomes. The commission is tasked with reporting its findings to the governor and legislative committees annually.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 43.101.095, 43.101.276, 43.101.278
Substitute Bill: 43.101.095, 43.101.276, 43.101.278
Bill as Passed Legislature: 43.101.095, 43.101.276, 43.101.278
Session Law: 43.101.095, 43.101.276, 43.101.278