2026 Legislative Priorities

PRIORITY BILLS

Oppose: Criminal Justice Training Commission Amendment

HB 2220

The bill represents a significant and troubling departure from the civilian oversight framework intentionally established by the legislature in 2021 that earlier legislation was not accidental, rushed or symbolic. It was the product of years of community pressure, legislative debate and lived experience, demonstrating that intentional law enforcement dominated accountability systems were insufficient to address misconduct. Abusive authority and erosion of public trust.

AG Investigations and Reform

SB 5066 & HB 1056

Accountability for Police and sheriff’s departments is an important part of culture change. This grants authority to the state attorney general to perform investigations of agencies where there is an alleged pattern and practice of violating the civil and constitutional rights of persons. This state-level authority will promote a basic level of quality policing across the state.

Law Enforcement Leaders

SB 5974

We must modernize and align the laws governing sheriffs, chiefs, and marshals to enhance accountability, public trust, and conﬁdence in law enforcement leadership. By clarifying eligibility requirements, certiﬁcation standards, background check procedures, and the permissible use of volunteers, this legislation aims to promote professionalism, transparency, and consistency in law enforcement practices throughout Washington State.

BILLS OF SUPPORT

Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR)

SB 6002 HB 2332

Public agencies throughout Washington are increasingly using automated license plate readers (ALPRs). These are cameras that scan and store license plate data from countless Washington drivers every day, allowing these agencies to know where people drive and when—and without their consent. Police and law enforcement departments throughout the country use ALPRs to conduct widespread surveillance of drivers.

Independent Prosecutor

Facial Covering Prohibition

SB 5855 & HB 2173

Prohibits law enforcement from covering their faces while performing duties. Provides that a peace ofﬁcer shall be reasonably identiﬁable by the ofﬁcer's clearly displayed name or other information on the ofﬁcer's uniform that members of the public can see and the agency can use to identify the ofﬁcer

To make the charging decisions for police use of deadly force.

Police Tactics: HB 1138

The prosecution must prove by a preponderance of the evidence.

Body-worn Cameras: HB 2644

Requires officers to use body-worn cameras throughout an encounter.