SPOKANE, Wash. — Washington state legislators return to Olympia Monday as the legislative session begins. They will discuss Senate Bill 5974, which would create new requirements for sheriffs and police chiefs.
The bill would require anyone running for or appointed to sheriff to have a high school diploma, work for a law enforcement agency for five consecutive years, and get certified within nine months of taking office. The bill also requires background checks, which state law does not currently require.
The bill would also remove elected officials like sheriffs from office if they don’t get certain certifications.
Sheriff offices across Washington oppose the bill. The Walla Walla Sheriff, who is president of the Washington State Sheriff Association, wrote a letter outlining concerns.
“A significant element of this bill proposes that an unelected state board have the authority to remove an elected official, specifically an elected sheriff, from office,” the letter states. “This creates a significant challenge to the elected office of the sheriff.”
The letter continues: “Legislative efforts to impose additional requirements must not override the will of the people or diminish the integrity of the electoral process.”
Spokane County Sheriff John Nowels signed the letter.
But others say the bill will help hold law enforcement agencies accountable. The Washington Coalition for Police Accountability supports the bill.
“These bills are manifested by what has transpired in modern day policing and what WCPA is requesting that these bills go forward,” said Anwar Peace from the organization. “Because they will save lives. They will bring honesty back to law enforcement. They will create trust in our community.”
This is not the first time lawmakers have tried to pass similar legislation. Last year, a House bill and Senate bill failed to advance.
The legislative session starts Monday. Senate Bill 5974 is scheduled for a public committee hearing on January 15.
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