ACTION ALERT: Community Oversight NOW
Community should have the power to know what’s going on with policing where they live, and influence the process for EVERYONE’S safety.
Take action for HB 1203 TODAY. Once again, we’ve moved this bill to Rules and now we need it to go to the house floor so lawmakers can vote YES.
HB 1203 would require cities to create community oversight boards that can look into and reshape how a local Police Department operates. Communities must have the ability to review the policies and discipline process of law enforcement agencies. Transparency and community oversight are critical components of just and fair governance, especially with law enforcement. Community oversight boards would investigate wrongdoing and suggest policy changes at a local level. This bill would require all local jurisdictions (with more than 15 officers) to establish a community oversight board by 2025. Crucially, community oversight boards will be able to refer officers that abuse their power for decertification.
Take Action Now
Send a message to Representatives Chapman and Tharinger, who are currently undecided on how to vote.
Click to email lawmakers now >>
Link above not working for you? Email mike.chapman@leg.wa.gov and steve.tharinger@leg.wa.gov. Here is a sample message you can use:
Rep. Tharinger, Rep. Chapman,
I stand with the Washington Black Lives Matter Alliance.
We demand an end to state sanctioned violence toward Black bodies, and invite you to join us in the fight for the protection and liberation of Black Lives.
Washington state is ready for a higher standard of community safety.
I strongly urge you to pass HB 1203 out of the House Rules Committee and vote to pass HB 1203 off the House floor.