The bill expands employment eligibility for positions within general and limited authority Washington law enforcement agencies, as well as prosecuting attorney offices, to include lawful permanent residents. A new section is added to chapter 10.93 RCW, allowing these agencies to consider applications from both U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents for any office or position within the agency. This change aims to broaden the pool of candidates for law enforcement roles, enhancing diversity and inclusion within these agencies.

Additionally, the bill amends RCW 36.27.040 to specify that deputies appointed by the prosecuting attorney must be either U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents. It removes the requirement for deputies to be residents or qualified electors of the county in which they serve. The amendments also clarify the at-will relationship between prosecuting attorneys and their deputies, ensuring that the provisions of RCW 41.56.030 do not alter this relationship beyond the prosecuting attorney's term of office.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 36.27.040
Bill as Passed Legislature: 36.27.040
Session Law: 36.27.040