WASHINGTON STATE — A proposed bill aiming to strengthen and standardize qualifications for sheriffs and police chiefs in Washington is facing unified opposition from current law enforcement leaders.
The Senate bill seeks to create oversight and safety rules for these leadership roles. However, opponents argue that the measure undermines voter influence and violates the state constitution. Critics claim the legislature cannot impose new eligibility requirements beyond those already stated in the constitution.
Spokane County Sheriff John Nowels was among those who testified against the bill. He expressed concerns about its impact on voter influence.
“This bill, essentially and functionally, removes the voice of the voters in the State of Washington in who leads their law enforcement organizations, represents the community’s ideals, values and ethics at a local level,” Nowels said.
He highlighted the issue of an unelected body making decisions without public input.
“It allows an unelected body appointed by the governor, and, by the way, made up by a minority of law enforcement professionals, to remove an elected official from office without a vote of the public,” Nowels said.
The bill proposes that chiefs, town marshals or sheriffs be at least 25 years old, have no gross misdemeanor convictions at any time and possess at least five years of uninterrupted full-time law enforcement experience. This is an increase from the previous two-year requirement.
Critics argue that the requirement for “uninterrupted experience” could disqualify individuals who have left and returned to law enforcement.
Concerns were also raised about the potential impact on smaller departments in less populated areas where staffing challenges already exist.
Despite the opposition, bill sponsors believe the legislation will build public trust. The next hearing for the bill is scheduled for January 22.
