The bill aims to enhance local law enforcement in Washington State by allowing counties and cities to impose a local sales and use tax of 0.10 percent, which will be credited against the state tax. This tax revenue is designated specifically for hiring additional commissioned law enforcement officers, with provisions for its use in criminal justice purposes if the local commissioned rate exceeds the national average. The bill also emphasizes the need for increased law enforcement training, mandating the Criminal Justice Training Commission to provide a minimum number of basic law enforcement training classes in the upcoming fiscal years.

Additionally, the bill amends existing law regarding basic law enforcement training requirements, specifying that personnel employed after July 1, 2023, must commence training within a defined timeframe. It also clarifies the training obligations for limited authority Washington peace officers and outlines the commission's authority to provide training and associated costs. The bill includes several insertions, such as the requirement for the commission to offer at least 27 basic law enforcement training classes starting in fiscal year 2026, increasing to 28 classes in fiscal year 2027, contingent upon sufficient legislative funding.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 43.101.200