Several new bills providing clarification on police reforms that were passed last year are now scheduled to receive a hearing in the opening days of the 2022 legislative session.
HB 1719, sponsored by Representative Dan Bronoske (D–Lakewood), clarifies that law enforcement officers can use less-lethal alternatives,
such as bean bag rounds, fired from a rifle. After last session, law enforcement agencies sought clarification on this issue due to a restriction placed on the caliber of rifles that officers are allowed to use. Many less-lethal alternatives require
the use of larger caliber rifles. Clarification in this bill specifically addresses the issue and carves out less-lethal alternatives as allowable under the law.
HB 1735, sponsored by Representative Jesse Johnson (D–Federal Way), clarifies that an officer has authority to use physical force, to
the extent necessary, to:
- Take an individual into custody or provide assistance under the Involuntary Treatment Act (ITA) and other behavioral health statutes;
- Take a minor into protective custody; or
- Execute or enforce a court order.
Additionally, HB 1735 clarifies that law enforcement officers are not prohibited from performing lifesaving measures, community caretaking functions including performing welfare checks or assisting first responders and medical professionals.
Finally, HB 1726, sponsored by Representative Roger Goodman (D–Kirkland), allows law enforcement to use physical force when there is a
reasonable suspicion that an individual has committed a specific offense, including assault, a violent offense or the crime of domestic violence. The bill clarifies that an officer may use physical force during a temporary investigatory detention.
HB 1726 would change current law which allows an officer to use physical force to effect an arrest when there is probable cause.
AWC supports all three pieces of legislation and will testify accordingly. However, there is a concern that HB 1726 does not include the requested clarifications related to community caretaking and the ITA.
Dates to remember
HB 1719, HB 1726, and HB 1735 are scheduled to be heard in the House Public Safety Committee on Tuesday, January 11 at 8 am.