Representatives heard public comment on January 22 regarding protections and procedures for individuals visiting Washington court facilities.

HB 2567, sponsored by Rep. My-Linh Thai (D–Bellevue), establishes new policies and procedures for law enforcement officers and individuals visiting Washington court facilities. A public hearing for the bill occurred in the House Civil Rights and Judiciary Committee on Wednesday, January 22.

Under the bill, courts could not inquire regarding an individual’s place of birth or immigration status during court proceeding unless the information directly relates to the court case. Additionally, court personnel would not disclose an individual’s place of birth or immigration status to federal authorities.

The bill requires courts to establish a system to collect the following information from all law enforcement officials at a court facility to carry out an arrest:

• Name;
• Agency name;
• Date and time present at the court facility; and
• Purpose of action at the court facility.

Courts are required to report collected information related to law enforcement officers to the Administrative Office of the Courts each month. The Office of the Courts will publish collected information each quarter.

The bill also outlines provisions for making civil arrest at a court facility when it is:

• Pursuant to court action;
• Necessary to secure the immediate safety of the court; or
• Under certain conditions for warrantless arrests outlined in state law.

If law enforcement officers plan on carrying out a civil arrest pursuant to a court order, a designated judicial officer must approve of the action prior to the arrest being carried out.