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WA HB2015

Bill

Status

Passed

5/19/2025

Primary Sponsor

Debra Entenman

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Origin

House of Representatives

2025-2026 Regular Session

AI Summary

  • Creates a local law enforcement grant program administered by the Criminal Justice Training Commission to fund hiring, retaining, and training law enforcement officers, peer counselors, and behavioral health co-response personnel, with grants covering up to 75% of entry-level salaries (maximum $125,000 per position) for up to 36 months

  • Requires grant applicants to meet extensive eligibility criteria including implementing use of force policies, de-escalation training, crisis intervention training (25% officer completion), and trauma-informed interviewing training (100% compliance for required officers)

  • Authorizes qualified cities and counties to impose a 0.1% local sales and use tax by resolution before June 30, 2028, or by voter approval thereafter, with revenues dedicated to criminal justice purposes including domestic violence services, public defenders, diversion programs, and mental health crisis response

  • Establishes a supplemental criminal justice account in the state treasury to receive appropriations and fund the grant program, with the grant program provisions expiring June 30, 2028

  • Requires the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs to report on peace officer staffing levels, vacancies, and turnover rates for each local agency from 2020-2025, due to the legislature by January 1, 2026

Legislative Description

Improving public safety funding by providing resources to local governments and state and local criminal justice agencies, and authorizing a local option tax.

Last Action

Effective date 7/27/2025.

5/19/2025

Committee Referrals

Rules4/8/2025
Ways & Means4/2/2025
Law & Justice3/13/2025
Rules2/28/2025
Appropriations2/26/2025
Finance2/21/2025

Full Bill Text

No bill text available