WA SB5224

Adds a statutory definition of "certified" for peace and corrections officers, requiring completion of background checks, academy training, and commission requirements before receiving a license to serve

Clarifies that background check requirements apply when officers transfer between Washington law enforcement agencies or switch between peace officer and corrections officer positions within the same agency

Removes the "full-time" qualifier from certification lapse provisions, meaning certification lapses after a 24-month break in any law enforcement or corrections service (not just full-time service)

Allows limited authority peace officers from specific agencies (gambling commission, natural resources, liquor board, insurance commissioner, state parks) to transfer to general authority agencies without completing a new basic academy if they remain current on training

Updates railroad police officer statutes to replace "appointed" with "commissioned" terminology and clarifies that the Criminal Justice Training Commission grants authority to act as railroad police officers