The bill amends various sections of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) to enhance the certification and commissioning processes for law enforcement personnel. It introduces new definitions, including "Certified," which outlines the requirements for officer certification, such as background checks and completion of training academies. The bill also clarifies existing definitions like "Commissioned," "Convicted," and "Peace officer," and establishes a "Chief for a day program" to support chronically ill children through law enforcement partnerships. Additionally, it mandates that all peace and corrections officers must obtain and maintain certification, detailing the necessary background checks, including criminal history and psychological evaluations, and the conditions for certification lapse and reinstatement.

Moreover, the bill specifies that law enforcement agencies will reimburse the Criminal Justice Training Commission for 25% of training costs during the fiscal years 2017-2024, while also providing reimbursement for agencies with fewer than ten full-time commissioned patrol officers for temporary replacements during training. It updates terminology related to railroad police officers, replacing "appointment" with "commission," and establishes that railroad corporations can request the commissioning of officers who must complete training and take an oath. The bill clarifies that these officers can act as peace officers only concerning the corporation's property and introduces a new definition of "commissioned" specific to railroad police officers, ensuring clarity in the law.

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