Last week, a version of HB 1054 passed out of the Senate Law & Justice Committee with an amendment greatly concerning to AWC. The amendment would not have allowed a vehicle pursuit by a law enforcement officer unless the officer had “probable cause” to believe a crime had occurred.

AWC is happy to report that our main concern related to pursuits is likely to be addressed in a floor striking amendment offered by Sen. Jamie Pedersen (D–Seattle). We expect to see a new standard that requires probable cause for all vehicle pursuits except for the crime of DUI, which will continue to require the officer have reasonable suspicion. We agreed with the removal of domestic violence offenses from the pursuit section. While not every stakeholder and not every city may support the changes, remember there is nothing in the legislation to prevent your city from enacting a stricter pursuit standard.

AWC has worked for months to define and clarify the bill’s section related to vehicle pursuits and much compromise has occurred among many of the stakeholders. As it stands, the legislation reflects that labor and cooperation.

One remaining issue for several jurisdictions is the prohibition on retaining mine-resistant ambush protected vehicles (MRAPs) as surplus military equipment. Sen. Keith Wagoner (R–Sedro-Woolley) will offer a floor amendment to remove MRAPs from the bill, thus allowing local police departments to continue using the MRAPs they own. AWC encourages you to contact your senators and tell them to support Sen. Wagoner’s amendment.

HB 1054 is currently in Senate Rules and could come to a vote on the floor at any time.