2024 Legislative Agenda
HB 1445
Attorney General Civil Rights Investigations and Reform Bill
The bill would authorize the attorney general’s (AG’s) office to investigate and sue departments where there are patterns of misconduct. At present the only way to hold police departments accountable for practices of discriminatory policing is for the US Department of Justice to bring a lawsuit or consent decree to affect change. This bill would authorize the AG’s Civil Rights Division to investigate systemic practices that deprive individuals of rights protected by the Washington Constitution, to address the most harmful practices and ensure a minimum quality of policing across Washington.
HB 1579
Independent Prosecutor for Deadly Force
In 2021 Washington State became the first state in the country to establish an Office of Independent Investigation. Help Washington State continue to lead the way in police reform and take the next logical step by establishing an Independent Prosecutor.
Police investigating themselves present an inherent conflict of interest. County prosecutors work closely with law enforcement and rely on them for gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses. Prosecutors, exercising prosecutorial discretion, often fail to file criminal charges against officers even when unarmed citizens are killed at the hands of law enforcement. Establishing an Independent Prosecutor will hold officers accountable.
HB 2065
Juvenile Points Retroactivity Bill
In 2023, the legislature passed HB 1324, making the inclusion of juvenile adjudications discretionary consideration in adult sentencing, rather than mandatory. However, the retroactivity of the provision was removed from the bill, leaving behind the 1500 people currently incarcerated with sentences that have been increased by juvenile points.
Disproportionate pre-trial detention, incarceration, and sentencing rates of BIPOC individuals have contributed to mass incarceration in Washington state. Enhanced sentencing has amplified racial inequities in the criminal legal system. The legislature rightfully redressed some of this harm in passing HB 1324. If we believe in fair sentencing standards then we must apply it universally.
HB 1087
End Long-Term Solitary Confinement
Long term solitary confinement is torture and causes severe psychological consequences depression, anxiety, paranoia, PTSD, psychosis, self-harm and even suicide. Solitary confinement is disproportionately used against people of color and those with disabilities.
Washington ended solitary confinement for juveniles in 2020. We can do the same for adults. The use of solitary confinement in our state prisons is torture and has devastating impacts on those incarcerated. Join us in our fight to end long-term solitary confinement!
HB 1513
Traffic Safety for All
Traffic stops are the primary way that people come into contact with police. There have been significant racial disparities in traffic stops for low-level offenses and subsequent use of force for decades, making these stops especially dangerous for people of color. Many jurisdictions, including Seattle as well as others across the country, have restricted or banned traffic stops for low-level traffic violations. Research suggests that reducing the number of low-level arrests results in fewer officer shootings. A traffic stop should never put someone’s life at risk. Reducing stops for low-level traffic violations that do not affect public safety will reduce opportunities for racialized police violence and allow law enforcement to focus on addressing real hazards such as impaired, distracted, or reckless driving.
This legislation would also create opportunities for local jurisdictions to create pilot programs for public safety programs like helmet vouchers or tail light workshops. Reducing the emphasis on punitive enforcement while providing resources to fix problems will improve safety for all road users.
Say NO - to the roll back - High Speed Vehicular Pursuits
The current law prioritizes human life and the current law is working. As a result of prioritizing public safety and allowing police to engage in pursuits when there is an established threat to public safety – violent offenses (like carjackings, armed robberies), sex offenses, DUIs, and prison escapes – but not for misdemeanors or property crimes, we have seen a reduced number of fatalities.
Say NO - to Mandatory Officer Staffing
Legislation to tie funds to mandatory officer staffing will not actually result in more officers hired nor will it result in a reduction in crime. The change in officer staffing is due to attrition and not to lack of funds. Number of officers per capita of population has not been shown to reduce crime rates.
Any legislation to mandate officer staffing levels undermines public safety because it prevents local jurisdictions from being able to fund the public safety initiatives that address the unique needs of their communities. Violent crime can be reduced by investments in violence interruption programs, mental health treatment, substance-abuse-treatment facilities, affordable housing, emergency financial assistance for those experiencing financial instability, investments restoring vacant land, and investments in community non-profits.
All across the country communities that are making investments in preventative community-centered approaches are seeing a reduction in crime and violence in the community. Doing so in Washington State depends on keeping general fund dollars fungible so that they can be used in ways that best address unique community needs.