OLYMPIA — A Thurston County Superior Court judge has temporarily blocked key provisions of a new Washington state law designed to increase oversight of sheriffs.
The preliminary injunction came after an emergency hearing Tuesday on a lawsuit filed by Spokane County Sheriff John Nowels and sheriffs from Pend Oreille, Stevens, and Ferry counties. The sheriffs argue the new regulations are unconstitutional.
The legislation increases mandatory law enforcement experience requirements for sheriff candidates from two years to five years and establishes a state review board with power to remove elected sheriffs from office.
“We are absolutely accountable to the people who elect us, this is really about protecting free and fair elections and protecting our voters rights,” said Brad Manke, Stevens County Sheriff.
The judge blocked enforcement of the enhanced experience requirements and a section allowing decertification of sheriffs. The underlying lawsuit remains pending.
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