The bill amends various sections of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) to enhance the definitions, processes, and requirements related to officer certification and commissioning. It introduces new definitions, including "Certified," which outlines the criteria for an individual to be recognized as a certified officer, encompassing background checks and completion of training academies. The bill also clarifies terms such as "Commissioned," "Convicted," and "Peace officer," and establishes a "Chief for a day program" to support chronically ill children through collaborations with law enforcement agencies. Additionally, it mandates that all peace officers and corrections officers must obtain and maintain certification, detailing the necessary background checks, including criminal history and psychological evaluations, while emphasizing the importance of timely basic training completion.

Moreover, the bill specifies that law enforcement agencies will reimburse the Criminal Justice Training Commission for 25% of training costs for their personnel during fiscal years 2024 and prior biennia. It also provides for reimbursement to agencies with 10 or fewer full-time commissioned patrol officers for costs related to temporary replacements during basic training, subject to certain limits. The bill updates terminology regarding railroad police officers, replacing "appointment" with "commission," and allows railroad corporations to request the commissioning of their officers, who must complete training and take an oath. It clarifies the powers and responsibilities of these commissioned officers and holds the requesting corporation liable for their actions, while also adding a new section to define "commissioned" in this context.

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