The bill aims to enhance the accreditation process for law enforcement and corrections agencies in Washington State, recognizing the benefits of accreditation in improving public safety services and officer morale. It establishes a framework for the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs to evaluate and enhance the accreditation criteria and processes, identify barriers to obtaining accreditation, and recommend incentives to encourage more agencies to achieve accreditation. The bill also allocates funding for the criminal justice training commission to provide incentive awards of up to $50,000 to agencies that receive accreditation during the 2023-2025 biennium, with plans to continue and expand this funding in future budgets.

Additionally, the bill mandates the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs to report its findings and recommendations to the legislature by December 1, 2026, and includes provisions for the criminal justice training commission to offer accreditation incentive awards to both law enforcement and corrections agencies. The new sections added to chapters 36.28A and 10.93 RCW outline the responsibilities of the association and the commission, ensuring that the funds awarded do not replace existing agency funding. The section detailing these provisions will expire on December 31, 2026.