2026 Legislative Priorities
PRIORITY BILLS
Oppose: Criminal Justice Training Commission Amendment
HB 2220
2026 Legislative Session Outcome: Blocked!
The bill would have represented a significant and troubling departure from the civilian oversight framework intentionally established by the legislature in 2021. 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, abuse of authority, and erosion of public trust.
AG Investigations and Reform
SB 5066 & HB 1056
2026 Legislative Session Outcome: Did not advance.
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
2026 Legislative Session Outcome: Passed and signed into law!
Modernizes and aligns 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 promotes professionalism, transparency, and consistency in law enforcement practices throughout Washington.
BILLS OF SUPPORT
Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR)
SB 6002
2026 Legislative Session Outcome: Passed and signed into law!
This bill limits use of surveillance technology like automated license plate readers (ALPRs). Public agencies throughout Washington are increasingly using ALPRs, cameras that scan and store license plate data from countless drivers every day, allowing these agencies to know where people drive and when—and without their consent. The bill regulates uses of ALPRs and the data captured, restricts the use of such devices, and limits data sharing.
Independent Prosecutor
Facial Covering Prohibition
SB 5855 & HB 2173
2026 Legislative Session Outcome: Passed and signed into law!
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.