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 trends in violent crime rates and the low per capita ratio of law enforcement officers in the state. To support local governments in enhancing public safety, the bill proposes a new sales and use tax of 0.10 percent, which can be imposed by county or city legislative authorities. The revenue generated from this tax is designated specifically for employing additional commissioned law enforcement officers, with provisions allowing for the funds to be used for broader criminal justice purposes if the local commissioned rate exceeds the national average.

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 commence basic training within a defined timeframe, while also allowing for the commission to review training files of previously employed limited authority Washington peace officers to determine any necessary supplemental training. The bill also mandates the commission to provide a minimum number of basic law enforcement training classes in the upcoming fiscal years, ensuring that adequate training resources are available to support the increased hiring of law enforcement personnel.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 43.101.200