The bill seeks to modernize and clarify the laws governing law enforcement officials in Washington State, specifically targeting sheriffs, police chiefs, marshals, and police matrons. It introduces new eligibility requirements for the appointment of police chiefs and marshals, mandating that candidates be at least 25 years old, possess a high school diploma or equivalent, and maintain peace officer certification. The legislation emphasizes accountability by stipulating that appointments will be terminated if a chief or marshal's certification is revoked or if they fail to meet the established requirements. Additionally, it addresses the roles of volunteers and specially commissioned officers, limiting their functions to non-law enforcement activities unless certified, and mandates that agencies develop policies to distinguish these individuals from peace officers.

Furthermore, the bill establishes specific criteria for candidates seeking election or appointment to the office of sheriff, including U.S. citizenship, age, educational qualifications, and a clean criminal record. It requires thorough background investigations conducted by the Washington State Patrol, with results submitted to the Criminal Justice Training Commission for verification. The bill also introduces provisions for creating a vacancy in the sheriff's office if the incumbent is disqualified due to decertification and amends existing laws regarding background investigations for peace officers. It emphasizes the confidentiality of investigation files while ensuring that verification of completed investigations remains a public record. Additionally, the bill establishes a publicly searchable database for officer conduct and certification actions, repeals outdated statutes, and includes a provision for the enforceability of remaining sections if any part of the act is deemed invalid.

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