The bill aims to address the rising concerns over public safety in Washington by incentivizing cities and counties to increase the employment of commissioned law enforcement officers. It highlights the alarming rates of violent and property crimes in the state, which have reached significant highs, while also noting that Washington has the lowest number of law enforcement officers per capita in the nation. To alleviate the burden on local governments and ensure equitable law enforcement, the bill proposes a new sales and use tax of 0.10 percent that local legislative authorities can impose, with the revenue specifically earmarked for hiring additional law enforcement officers. If a city’s commissioned officer rate exceeds the national average, the funds can also be used for broader criminal justice purposes, including programs aimed at reducing homelessness and improving behavioral health.

Additionally, the bill amends existing law regarding the training requirements for law enforcement personnel. It specifies that all law enforcement officers hired after July 1, 2023, must begin basic training within their first months of employment, with successful completion being necessary for continued employment. The bill also mandates that the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission provide a minimum number of basic law enforcement training classes each fiscal year, starting with 27 classes in fiscal year 2026 and increasing to 28 classes in fiscal year 2027, contingent upon sufficient funding from the legislature. The bill includes various definitions related to law enforcement rates and criminal justice purposes to clarify its provisions.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 43.101.200