The bill seeks to modernize and clarify the laws governing law enforcement executives in Washington State, including sheriffs, police chiefs, marshals, and police matrons. It establishes consistent eligibility requirements, duties, and responsibilities for these positions, mandating that law enforcement executives maintain peace officer certification and outlining procedures for when such certification is revoked. Key amendments include raising the minimum age for police chiefs and marshals to 25, clarifying background investigation requirements, and repealing outdated laws regarding police matrons. The bill also emphasizes that specially commissioned officers and volunteers cannot enforce criminal laws or carry weapons unless they have completed the necessary training and certification.

Additionally, the legislation introduces new regulations for the use of volunteers and specially commissioned officers, limiting their roles to non-enforcement activities and requiring clear agency policies to define their authority. It amends eligibility criteria for sheriffs, including age, citizenship, educational qualifications, and a clean criminal record, while mandating background investigations conducted by the Washington State Patrol. The bill ensures that all background investigation files remain confidential and establishes guidelines for determining disqualifying information, emphasizing community input in the process. It also includes a provision that the act will be null and void if specific funding is not provided by June 30, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 35.21.333, 35.21.334, 35.23.161, 35.27.240, 36.28.010, 36.28.025, 36.28.020, 43.101.380, 34.05.510
Substitute Bill: 35.21.333, 35.21.334, 35.23.161, 35.27.240, 36.28.010, 36.28.025, 10.93.170, 36.28.020, 43.101.380, 34.05.510
Second Substitute: 35.21.333, 35.21.334, 35.23.161, 35.27.240, 36.28.010, 36.28.025, 10.93.170, 36.28.020, 43.101.380, 34.05.510, 36.28.011