2021 Legislative Session Bills
De-Escalation
Referred to Rules 2 for Review on January 26th.
HB 1054
Establishing requirements for tactics and equipment used by peace officers
Bans the use of chokeholds, tear gas, unleashed dogs, military equipment, covering or obscuring badge numbers or other identifying information, provides limitations on vehicular pursuit, ends no-knock warrants.
HB 1310
Concerning permissible uses of force by law enforcement and correctional officers
Builds on I940 by creating an expectation for officers to de-escalate and requires police to exercise care in the use of any force against a member of the public. Essentially determining what is permissible use of force. NOTE: Current law allows police to complete an arrest by any means. This bill also clarifies when law enforcement will receive de-escalation training.
Referred to Appropriations on February 15th.
Driving with License Suspended in the Third Degree
SB 5226
Concerning the suspension of licenses for traffic infractions
This legislation stops the suspension of driver’s licenses for unpaid fines and fees and failure to show up in court for civil moving violations, ensuring that public safety is the focus of our state’s scarce criminal justice resources—not punishing people who are “driving while poor.” It also ensures that drivers keep their insurance, can get to work, and provide transportation for their families. Reforming these laws will increase fairness and cost-effectiveness without sacrificing public safety.
Scheduled for executive session in the Senate Committee on Law & Justice on February 15th at 9:30 AM.
Collective Bargaining
Public hearing in the Senate Committee on Labor, Commerce & Tribal Affairs on January 14th.
SB 5134
Enhancing public trust and confidence in law enforcement and strengthening law enforcement accountability for general authority Washington peace officers, excluding department of fish and wildlife officers
This bill removes police accountability from collective bargaining, eliminates private arbitration of disciplinary appeals, and requires public participation in the development and establishment of accountability systems and processes for serious police misconduct.
The Pathways to Recovery Act
Scheduled for executive session in the House Committee on Public Safety on February 15th at 1:30 PM.
HB 1499
Providing behavioral health system responses to individuals with substance use disorder.
Improving Washington’s response to substance use disorder, treating these as health issues requiring care and support, including pre-treatment outreach, treatment, and recovery support services for suffering individuals.
Decertification
SSB 5051 scheduled for executive session in the Senate Committee on Ways & Means on February 15th at 4:00 PM.
HB 1082 scheduled for public hearing in the House Committee on Public Safety on January 15th at 10:00 AM.
SB 5051 / HB 1082
Concerning state oversight and accountability of peace officers and corrections officers.
These bills will:
Improve the ability of the Criminal Justice Training Commission (CJTC) to decertify police and corrections officers who engage in serious misconduct
Increase the size of the CJTC so that a majority of members are non-law enforcement
Specify and expand the circumstances under which law enforcement officers must be decertified
Specify and expand the circumstances under which law enforcement officers may be decertified
Require law enforcement agencies to report misconduct to the CJTC
Requires the CJTC to maintain a public database with information about officers who are subject to decertification proceedings
Qualified Immunity
Referred to Appropriations on February 9th.
HB 1202
Peace Officer Accountability Act
(aka Police Misconduct and Civil Remediation)
Gives the ability to hold peace officers accountable for harm done, without the use of qualified immunity as a defense.
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10 Steps
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