OLYMPIA, Wash. — The Washington State Senate passed a bill on Thursday to change the qualifications for who can serve as sheriff or police chief within the state. The new legislation introduces stricter eligibility standards and allows the state to remove elected sheriffs from office.
Senate Bill 5974 passed on a party-line vote. Democrats argue that it builds public trust while Republicans warn that it takes power away from local voters.
If the bill progresses further, newly unqualified sheriffs could lose certification, requiring counties to appoint replacements who meet the new standards.
Senator John Lovick, representing the 44th District, expressed his support for the legislation.
“Under this legislature, our law enforcement leaders, our police chiefs, our marshals, our sheriffs would be held to the same standards of eligibility and accountability that we ask of every law enforcement officer in our state and that they ask for their subordinates,” Lovick said.
Spokane County Sheriff John Nowels previously .
“My opinion is that not only does this legislation remove voters’ voice, but also is an overstep from the legislative bodies into the powers and authorities of the executive branch,” Nowels said.
The bill will now move to the House for consideration, with most of its provisions set to take effect on April 30. Restrictions on volunteers would become law on January 1.
