OLYMPIA, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – A controversial bill that will increase oversight for sheriffs and police chiefs in the state has been signed into law.
Gov. Bob Ferguson signed SB 5974 yesterday (Wed), which will establish an oversight board for law enforcement leaders throughout the state and enforce stricter requirements.
Candidates will now have to undergo a background check, be at least 25 years old and have at least five years of law enforcement experience, among other changes.
The state oversight board will also be able to remove any sitting sheriff for not meeting any of the new requirements.
Ferguson says he still needs to clarify some parts of the law but threw his support behind it at the signing.
“I do have some reservations about the process for creating a vacancy. I’ve had good conversations with the sponsor and other legislators as well about that and we’ll probably be doing a little work on the interim,” Ferguson said. “But the main message today is this is a great bill.”
Whatcom County Sheriff Donnell Tanksley voiced his opposition to the bill earlier this year, pointing to the fact that voters won’t have a say in the state’s decision to remove elected officials.
Most of the law will take effect on April 30, with some parts delayed until 2027.
