A bill to limit liability for use of trained police dogs to detect fentanyl is scheduled for a hearing this week in the House.

HB 1635 is sponsored by Rep. Gina Mosbrucker (R–Goldendale). It grants civil suit immunity to local governments for use of police dogs to detect fentanyl if the dog was trained according to Criminal Justice Training Commission (CJTC) standards, the dog was handled by a law enforcement officer in the scope of their employment, and damages were not due to gross negligence or willful or wanton misconduct. The bill also requires the CJTC to develop model standards for training police dog teams to detect fentanyl.

Current law already grants immunity from civil action for police and police dogs in the line of duty for other types of law enforcement activities. Drug detection dogs require specific evaluations and performance testing, including testing to determine if the dog can detect specific odors of drugs like heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine. In 2021, the CJTC was required to develop model policies for use of police dogs, and canine teams in Washington must be certified according the CJTC standards.

Dates to remember

HB 1635 is scheduled for a public hearing in the House Community Safety, Justice, & Reentry Committee on Monday, February 6 at 1:30 pm.