On February 10, three bills addressing a variety of police reform issues passed through the House with strong bipartisan support.
HB 1001 creates a grant program through the Criminal Justice Training Commission (CJTC) to improve outreach and recruitment efforts for
law enforcement. The program is designed to promote diversity in law enforcement so that departments better reflect the demographics of local communities. Grant recipients will be selected by December 1, 2021, and a report from the CJTC will be submitted
to the governor by December 1, 2022. The bill passed the House unanimously.
HB 1088 requires stakeholders to update best practices addressing potential impeachment disclosures pursuant to Brady v. Maryland.
The bill directs the Washington Association of Prosecuting Attorneys to develop and maintain online training for potential impeachment disclosures. Under the bill, police departments will be required to report to the prosecuting authority of their
jurisdiction when an officer is no longer able to serve as a credible witness. Additionally, prior to hiring a new officer, a law enforcement agency will need to inquire if the officer has ever been subject to potential impeachment. The bill passed
the House with a 61-to-37 vote.
HB 1089 establishes compliance audits of law enforcement agencies through the State Auditor's Office (SAO). The SAO will conduct a compliance
audit of a law enforcement agency at the conclusion of any deadly force investigation. Additionally, at the request of the CTJC, the SAO may conduct audits of law enforcement agencies to ensure the agencies are compliant with all applicable state
laws, policies, and procedures. Under the bill, law enforcement agencies will not be required to pay any costs or fees for compliance audits. The bill passed the House with an 80-to-18 vote.
All three bills now await action in the Senate.