WA SB5974

Establishes uniform eligibility requirements for sheriffs, police chiefs, and town marshals including minimum age of 25, U.S. citizenship, high school diploma, no felony or gross misdemeanor convictions, at least five years of law enforcement experience, and obtaining certification within nine months of assuming office.

Requires mandatory background investigations for all candidates seeking election or appointment to sheriff, police chief, or town marshal positions, with the Washington State Patrol conducting investigations for sheriff candidates and results posted publicly by the Criminal Justice Training Commission.

Creates automatic vacancy in office when a sheriff, police chief, or town marshal loses certification, is decertified, or fails to meet eligibility requirements while in office.

Restricts law enforcement agency volunteers and youth cadets from enforcing criminal or immigration laws, engaging in pursuits, making arrests, using force, carrying weapons, or using surveillance technologies unless they have completed peace officer certification; limits their roles to administrative support, search and rescue, parking enforcement, and community outreach activities.

Repeals outdated 1894 "police matron" statutes and takes effect April 30, 2026, with volunteer/youth cadet provisions effective January 1, 2027.