Statewide Emergency Action Alert
We’re calling on everyone here in Washington state to help save Black Lives.
Remember all the protests? Those were to get us to this moment. We cannot let the power of the people and our collective demands for change go to waste.
Because the truth is, even though people understand America has a problem, nothing has really changed. This is the moment we have all been fighting for: to change the laws of Washington state.
But know this; the opposition is very strong, not just in law enforcement, but lawmakers.
You have to tell them: Washington state is ready for a higher standard of community safety.
Seven critical lifesaving bills are at risk NOW. Lawmakers need to hear from YOU. You can give them the courage to take this step forward, to protect all Washingtonians. Watch the video for instruction on how to tell lawmakers you support these bills, and then take action.
Ban Violent Police Tactics
What It Is
HB 1054 would ban the use of tear gas, chokeholds, neck restraints, and no-knock warrants. It would restrict officers from shooting at moving vehicles, restrict hot pursuits, and require police to have visible identification. This bill gives directly impacted families and community members a significant place at the table so that their lived experiences inform policy development.
Take Action
Contact your house representative by the end of the day on Monday, February 15. Let them know where you live, and that this bill is important to you. Ask them to vote for this bill. If you have a personal story, share it with them. Don’t know who your lawmaker is? Use this district finder.
Empower the Attorney General to File Charges For Excessive Police Force
What It Is
HB 1507 would allow the state Attorney General (AG) to establish a standard in police use of force cases. When a law enforcement officer kills someone, both the local prosecutor and the AG's office will have the authority to file charges—and the AG’s office will maintain an independent prosecution team. If both a local prosecutor and the AG's office want to file charges, they can file a motion with the court. If either the local prosecutor or the independent deputy prosecutor decline to file charges, it goes to the AG to consider. If the AG declines, they must publish a report explaining why.
Take Action
Submit written testimony in support of this bill. Let the committee know where you live in Washington state, and that this bill is important to you. Ask them to vote for this bill. If you have a personal story, share it with them. This bill is scheduled for public hearing in the House Committee on Public Safety at 1:30 PM on February 15 (subject to change).
Mandate Statewide Independent Police Investigations
What It Is
HB 1267 would create a statewide Office of Independent Investigations to ensure effective, accurate, and truly independent investigations into police use of deadly force. By creating a new independent agency to investigate police killings, we can begin to rebuild trust between law enforcement and the community. The agency would create regional teams that could respond to a deadly use of force within one hour to secure the scene and process evidence. After a transition period, current and former law enforcement officers would be prohibited from serving with the agency so that it can remain free from bias.
Take Action
Email Appropriations leaders Timm.Ormsby@leg.wa.gov and Drew.Stokesbary@leg.wa.gov by the end of the day on Monday, February 15 and ask them to schedule this bill for a hearing and pass it out of committee before cutoff.
Make Deadly Force Last Resort for Police
What It Is
HB 1310 would require that officers must de-escalate, first, and says deadly force should only be used when there is an imminent threat of bodily harm. This bill clarifies and strengthens changes made by I-940 to the justifiable homicide defense for police officers. Deadly force is justifiable only if necessary to protect the officer or another person from an imminent threat of serious physical harm and is used only as a last resort after other options have been exhausted.
Take Action
Email Appropriations leaders Timm.Ormsby@leg.wa.gov and Drew.Stokesbary@leg.wa.gov by the end of the day on Monday, February 15 and ask them to schedule this bill for a hearing and pass it out of committee before cutoff.
Sue Police for Misconduct
What It Is
HB 1202, also known as the Peace Officer Accountability Act, would authorize the state Attorney General to investigate police misconduct. Existing avenues for holding police officers civilly liable when they violate a person’s rights or harm someone aren’t good enough. When a police officer harms someone without facing the consequences, there is no justice for victims of police violence, no incentive to change bad behavior, community trust is eroded, and it makes everyone less safe. Police misconduct in Black and Brown communities has resulted in significant trauma and injustice in Washington and across the country.
Take Action
Email Appropriations leaders Timm.Ormsby@leg.wa.gov and Drew.Stokesbary@leg.wa.gov by the end of the day on Monday, February 15 and ask them to schedule this bill for a hearing and pass it out of committee before cutoff.
Require Community Oversight Boards for Police
What It Is
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
Email Appropriations leaders Timm.Ormsby@leg.wa.gov and Drew.Stokesbary@leg.wa.gov by the end of the day on Monday, February 15 and ask them to schedule this bill for a hearing and pass it out of committee before cutoff.
Decertify Police Officers for Use of Excessive Force
What It Is
SB 5051 would expand the criteria by which law enforcement officers can be decertified to include the use of excessive force. This bill strengthens licensing oversight at the Criminal Justice Training Commission (CJTC), which has the power to certify or de-certify law enforcement officers. The bill also changes CJTC’s composition to ensure that the community makes up most of the commission. Over the past four years, an average of 100 officers were fired each year, with an average of 40 being recommended for decertification. On average, only 13 officers per year are decertified. Washington has never decertified an officer for excessive use of force. Washington is one of the few states that require an officer to be fired before they can be decertified, unlike teachers, social workers, and hairdressers.
Take Action
Email Ways & Means leaders Christine.Rolfes@leg.wa.gov and Lynda.wilson@leg.wa.gov to pass it out of committee before the deadline on Monday February 15th.