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Washington committee hears divided testimony on bill tightening sheriff qualifications and limiting volunteer powers
Summary
The House Community Safety Committee heard hours of testimony Feb. 23 on Second Substitute Senate Bill 59 74, which would set uniform certification and experience requirements for sheriffs, chiefs and marshals and curb law-enforcement volunteers' authority. Proponents said the bill raises standards and accountability; opponents, including multiple county sheriffs, said it raises constitutional and fiscal concerns.
The House Community Safety Committee on Monday debated proposed changes to who can serve as a sheriff, police chief or marshal under Second Substitute Senate Bill 59 74, including a requirement of five years of full‑time government law‑enforcement experience, a prohibition on candidates with unvacated gross‑misdemeanor convictions, and limits on the duties volunteers and posses may perform.
Supporters said the bill brings leaders in line with the training and accountability requirements already applied to rank‑and‑file officers. "Leaders should have at least the same standards of accountability as those who work for them," said Anita Yandle of the Policing Project. The League…
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