WA HB2541

Codifies an objective reasonableness standard for evaluating peace officer use of force based on the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Graham v. Connor (1989), requiring assessment of whether a similarly situated reasonable officer would have acted similarly under the totality of circumstances.

Amends RCW 10.120.020 to add new justifications for physical force, including taking a person into custody when authorized by statute and protecting against imminent threats of bodily injury to officers, other persons, or the subject of force.

Maintains existing requirements that officers use de-escalation tactics when possible, apply the least amount of force necessary, and consider individual characteristics such as pregnancy, age, disability, or impairment when determining appropriate force.

Preserves restrictions limiting deadly force to situations involving immediate threats of serious physical injury or death, and prohibits force tactics banned by departmental policy or law except to protect life from imminent threat.

Declared an emergency measure taking effect immediately upon passage, intended to address implementation challenges experienced by police agencies since the 2021 and 2022 use-of-force law reforms.