A bill expanding the authority of the state Attorney General (AG) to investigate and bring action against local police departments has been introduced for 2025. It is a similar concept to a bill proposed in 2023 and could increase liability for city police departments if passed.

HB 1056 is sponsored by Rep. Darya Farivar (D–Seattle). A companion bill, SB 5066 is sponsored by Senator Drew Hansen (D–Bainbridge Island). It permits the Attorney General to investigate local law enforcement agencies and local correctional agencies for violations of the state constitution or state law, including for insufficient accountability systems, training, or agency policies the led to such violations. The bill also permits the AG to bring legal action against the local law enforcement or correctional agency pursuant to the investigation. If the AG prevails in its action, the local government may be responsible for attorney fees and costs.

The bill permits the AG to initiate an investigation on its own initiative or in response to reports from independent oversight bodies. At the outset of the investigation, the AG would be required to confer with the U.S. Department of Justice to avoid any conflicts or duplication of a federal investigation. If a federal action is underway for the same conduct, then the AG cannot bring a state action. The AG would also be required to inform the local law enforcement agency of why the investigation is being conducted, what information is sought, and request a meeting to discuss the investigation.

HB 1056 also requires the AG to develop a model policy for law enforcement accountability systems, consistent with published model policies on policing practices, use of force, and reporting.

This bill is very similar to HB 1445 (2023), which AWC engaged on in the 2023 and 2024 sessions. In 2025, AWC has many of the same concerns that we voiced about the previous bill: HB 1056 would give a broad grant of authority to the AG, with no limitations or consideration of the cost and impact on the jurisdiction. Additionally, the bill focuses on punitive measures against law enforcement agencies, rather than starting with voluntary compliance and technical assistance to actually help police departments make necessary changes to remedy a situation. AWC also thinks that the AG’s authority under the bill should be tied to investigating “patterns or practice” and not individual violations.