The bill amends various sections of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) to enhance the certification and employment processes for law enforcement and corrections personnel. Key changes include a revised definition of "certified," which now requires individuals to meet background check requirements, complete necessary training, and obtain a license from the commission. The bill also introduces a new definition for the "chief for a day program," aimed at honoring chronically ill children through partnerships between law enforcement agencies and the community. Stricter background check requirements are established for applicants, including checks of criminal history, social media accounts, and psychological evaluations, with a mandate for employing agencies to verify compliance before making nonconditional job offers. Additionally, the bill clarifies that certification lapses automatically after a break of more than 24 consecutive months in service and outlines the reinstatement process.

Further amendments focus on the Criminal Justice Training Commission, detailing the reimbursement structure for training costs and the procedures for adjudicative proceedings. Law enforcement agencies are required to reimburse the commission for 25% of training costs during specific fiscal years, and provisions are made for agencies with 10 or fewer full-time commissioned patrol officers to receive reimbursement for temporary replacements during basic training. The bill also modifies the commissioning process for railroad police officers, replacing "appointment" with "commission" to clarify authority and requiring railroad corporations to file commissioning requests and cover training costs. Commissioned railroad police officers will have the same powers as peace officers while on duty, but their authority is limited to protecting the property of the corporation that commissioned them.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 43.101.010, 43.101.095, 43.101.125, 43.101.126, 43.101.200, 43.101.380, 34.05.510, 81.60.020, 81.60.030, 81.60.040, 81.60.060
Bill as Passed Legislature: 43.101.010, 43.101.095, 43.101.125, 43.101.126, 43.101.200, 43.101.380, 34.05.510, 81.60.020, 81.60.030, 81.60.040, 81.60.060
Session Law: 43.101.010, 43.101.095, 43.101.125, 43.101.126, 43.101.200, 43.101.380, 34.05.510, 81.60.020, 81.60.030, 81.60.040, 81.60.060