The bill aims to enhance the hiring of law enforcement and county corrections personnel in Washington State by establishing a law enforcement hiring grant program. This program, funded by an appropriation of $100 million from the state general fund, will provide grants covering up to 75% of entry-level salaries and benefits for local and tribal law enforcement officers, county corrections officers, peer counselors, and behavioral health personnel for a maximum of 36 months. To qualify for these grants, agencies must meet specific policy and training requirements, including compliance with crisis intervention and trauma-informed training. Additionally, the bill allows for advance funding to agencies that do not initially meet these requirements but are working towards compliance.

Furthermore, the bill mandates the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs to compile a report on law enforcement personnel statistics, including counts of filled and vacant positions, as well as retirements, over a five-year period. This report will provide insights into vacancy and turnover rates for local law enforcement agencies and is due to the governor and legislative fiscal committees by January 1, 2026. The section detailing the report will expire on July 1, 2026.