April 2, 2021
Dear neighbors, Many of us were shocked and devastated by recent video depicting a Tacoma police officer driving his SUV through a crowd of people. I want you to know that your legislators are working hard to change our policing system to prevent these acts, and to hold police accountable when they commit them. Below you’ll find information on the police reform bills pending in the Legislature this session.
SB 5051/HB 1082 would provide timely and effective enforcement of state standards for law enforcement officers, allowing the Criminal Justice Training Commission to discipline officers who abuse the privilege of carrying a badge and gun.
SB 5066 would establish clear standards for police officers to intervene when fellow officers use force unjustly and to report any wrongdoing by fellow officers.
SB 5259/HB 1092 would establish comprehensive statewide reporting and publication for use-of-force incidents involving law enforcement.
HB 1054 would ban the use of chokeholds, neck restraints, unleashed police dogs, no-knock warrants, military equipment, and the practice of officers intentionally concealing their badges. SB 5089 would increase minimum age and education requirements for new police officers.
SB 5263 would modify a 1986 law that has prevented people who have been killed or injured by police from recovering damages from police departments.
SB 5055 improves transparency, professionalism and equity of the arbitration process for law enforcement collective bargaining.
SB 5067/HB 1088 would shed light on officers who are not credible witnesses because of their previous conduct.
SB 5069/HB 1089 would bring transparency to investigations into police uses of deadly force.
HB 1267 would mandate the independent investigation of deadly uses of force, custodial deaths, and other officer-involved incidents.
I want to hear what you think about these and other issues affecting our community. My office will continue to welcome your thoughts and concerns, so please let us know what issues are important to you and your loved ones.
Sincerely,
Sen. Rebecca Saldaña
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