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WA HB2216

Bill

Status

Introduced

1/12/2026

Primary Sponsor

Lisa Parshley

Click for details

Origin

House of Representatives

2025-2026 Regular Session

AI Summary

  • Expands the crime of "obstructing a law enforcement officer" to "obstructing an emergency responder," covering firefighters, EMS personnel, emergency workers, and peace officers; violation remains a gross misdemeanor

  • Prohibits city, town, and county agencies from using funds, facilities, or personnel to assist federal enforcement programs that target residents solely based on race, religion, immigration status, citizenship, or national origin

  • Requires local government agencies to limit data collection, prohibit conditioning services on immigration status, and ensure public services are available regardless of citizenship status, with implementation by January 1, 2027 and full compliance by January 1, 2028

  • Authorizes the governor and local executive authorities to designate "emergency operation zones" for up to 30 days during active emergencies or disasters

  • Requires law enforcement officers entering emergency operation zones to target emergency responders to display visible identification, disclose their activities to incident commanders, obtain judicial warrants for searches/arrests, and refrain from disrupting operations; violations must be reported to the attorney general

Legislative Description

Protecting emergency responders and emergency response operations in Washington.

Last Action

First reading, referred to Technology, Economic Development, & Veterans.

1/12/2026

Committee Referrals

Technology, Economic Development, & Veterans1/12/2026

Full Bill Text

No bill text available