HB 2648 requires police to make a record when they observe immigration enforcement actions. AWC has expressed deep concerns about this legislation and continues to work with its sponsor, Rep. Mary Fosse (D–Everett), to make it workable for cities. The bill had a hearing last week but was not scheduled to be voted out of committee in time for Monday’s legislative cutoff.

In its current draft, the bill would require local police encountering a suspected immigration enforcement action to turn on available dash and body cameras, attempt to contact any person who reached out to local authorities about the activity, and request official identification of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers involved, without escalating the situation.

The bill was amended by the House Community Safety Committee to shift liability for any local officer’s performance of these duties from the state to local jurisdictions. This change is deeply problematic for cities.

We are grateful that Rep. Fosse and other key legislators have recognized the local liability problem and potential legal jeopardy for officers if the bill advances without further substantial amendment. Should the bill be revived, AWC is advocating for the state to accept liability for any actions the state mandates local law enforcement officers take and to grant officers sufficient discretion to conduct interactions that do not obstruct federal actions.

New bill would require police officers to turn on dash & body cams during encounters with federal immigration agents

January 30, 2026

HB 2648 is sponsored by Rep. Mary Fosse (D–Everett) and establishes new requirements for police interactions with immigration agents. The bill had a hearing last week and is scheduled for a committee vote this week.

The bill requires:

• On-duty police officers to activate body-worn cameras and dash cameras when encountering U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement employees conducting immigration enforcement and to report such encounters to their employing agencies;
• The Attorney General's Office to represent an officer in any legal proceeding that arises from the officer's actions in compliance with these requirements; and
• The state to indemnify and hold harmless an officer for any judgment or fine levied against the officer in any legal proceeding that arises from the officer’s actions in compliance with these requirements.

AWC has worked with the bill sponsor and committee chair to share several recommended improvements to the proposed legislation. We have concerns with potential liabilities for cities and are asking for amendments to address those concerns.

Dates to remember

HB 2648 is scheduled for a vote in the House Community Safety Committee on Tuesday, February 3, at 4 pm.