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Senate authorizes limited‑authority investigators for attorney general to probe economic and financial crimes

Washington State Senate · March 5, 2026
AI-Generated Content: All content on this page was generated by AI to highlight key points from the meeting. For complete details and context, we recommend watching the full video. so we can fix them.

Summary

After floor amendments and debate over training and local jurisdiction, the Senate passed House Bill 2156 allowing the attorney general to appoint limited‑authority peace officers to investigate economic and financial crimes such as organized retail theft and fraud. Supporters said the measure fills enforcement gaps; opponents sought guardrails and local‑first processes.

The Washington State Senate adopted amendments and approved House Bill 2156, which authorizes the attorney general's office to employ limited‑authority peace officers to investigate complex economic and financial crimes, including organized retail theft and fraud.

Senator Dhingra, sponsor of the amendment and floor remarks, said the change responds to a need reported by the retail sector and other victims when local law enforcement lacks resources or jurisdictional capacity to pursue multi‑jurisdictional theft and fraud. "These cases are…

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