S-3757.1
SENATE BILL 6023
State of Washington 68th Legislature 2024 Regular Session
By Senators Van De Wege and Padden
Prefiled 01/05/24. Read first time 01/08/24. Referred to Committee
on Law & Justice.
1 AN ACT Relating to limiting liability arising from the use of
2 trained police dogs; and adding a new section to chapter 43.101 RCW.
3 BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:
4 NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. A new section is added to chapter 43.101
5 RCW to read as follows:
6 (1) By December 1, 2024, the commission shall develop model
7 standards for the training and certification of canine teams to
8 detect fentanyl. When developing the model standards, the commission
9 shall consult with experts including public and private organizations
10 that train canines to imprint on controlled substances, law
11 enforcement or correctional agencies that use canines to detect
12 controlled substances, and experts on the training of canines for use
13 by law enforcement.
14 (2) Beginning January 1, 2025, a state or local government, law
15 enforcement agency, or any employee of a state or local government or
16 law enforcement agency is immune from civil damages arising from the
17 use of a canine to detect fentanyl if:
18 (a) The canine is trained and certified pursuant to the model
19 standards adopted under subsection (1) of this section;
20 (b) The canine is being handled by a peace officer acting within
21 the scope of his or her employment or duties; and
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1 (c) The damages do not arise from gross negligence or willful or
2 wanton misconduct.
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