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WashingtonSB 52242025-2026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Concerning officer certification definitions, processes, and commissioning.

Sponsored By: John Lovick (Democratic)

Became Law

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

8 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 6 mixed.

More transparent certification hearings

CJTC hearings follow the state Administrative Procedure Act and use a preponderance of the evidence standard. An administrative law judge runs the hearing, and a five-member panel makes the final decision, including non‑police public members and a police‑accountability expert. Panels may rely on records from prior cases but must let the officer submit evidence of extenuating facts on request. The commission may act on certification even if an employer’s discipline was reversed or settled. Hearings are public, and transcripts, evidence, and written decisions are public records. The commission posts yearly summaries online, and final decisions can be reviewed in court.

Officer certification ends after 24 months

The law ends a peace or corrections officer’s certification after a break of more than 24 straight months. Breaks caused only by a pending discharge appeal or a work-related injury do not count. An officer may ask the training commission to reinstate the certificate and must meet any reinstatement rules. Losing certification can block continued employment until reinstated.

Police training rules and who pays

Officers must meet basic training timelines. Hired before 1990 must finish in 15 months. Hired on or after 1990 must start in 6 months. Limited‑authority officers hired on or after July 1, 2023 must start within 12 months and finish to stay employed. Those hired before July 1, 2023 get a file review and only any needed extra training. Some transferring officers with listed roles and current in‑service training do not have to redo the basic academy. The commission provides training and housing. Employers must reimburse 25% of basic‑training costs during the 2017–2019, 2019–2021, and 2021–2023 biennia and in fiscal year 2024. Agencies with 10 or fewer full‑time patrol officers may get payback for temporary replacements, limited to the absent officer’s salary and benefits, if funds exist. Limited‑authority agencies must pay the full cost to train their officers.

Stricter hiring checks for officers

Hiring agencies must keep offers conditional until the background check is done and must verify in writing that all checks were completed. Checks include FBI fingerprint records, a national decertification search, prior records, prosecutor impeachment lists, extremist ties, a social media review without passwords, and immigration or citizenship verification. A psychological exam and a polygraph or similar test are required; the agency can charge you up to the actual test cost or $400, whichever is less, with payment plans allowed. The commission sets the methods and standards for these checks. Agencies and the commission may share nonconviction records only for hiring or certification.

New rules for railroad police

The training commission can grant and revoke railroad‑police commissions. “Commissioned” means the commission has given legal authority to act as railroad police. A railroad must file a signed application and affidavit and may ask for no more than 25 officers per division. Each candidate must complete commission‑approved training and file an oath before being commissioned. The railroad pays the full training cost and pays the officer’s compensation. The railroad is civilly liable for any unlawful act by its commissioned officer. On duty, railroad police have peace‑officer powers only to protect the railroad’s property and make related arrests. Commissioned railroad police must follow the commission’s rules.

Corrections lapse after 24 months; military break eased

Beginning July 27, 2025, a corrections officer’s certification lapses after more than 24 straight months out of corrections work. Time out for a direct appeal of a discharge or for a work‑related injury does not cause a lapse. A lapsed officer can ask the CJTC for reinstatement and must meet any set conditions. If the break was from being recalled to military service, the officer is exempt from the usual re‑screening background check.

Officer certification required; key terms clarified

Beginning July 27, 2025, all Washington peace and corrections officers must hold certification or a CJTC‑approved exemption to work. The law clarifies key terms, like “applicant” (someone with a conditional job offer) and “certified” (you passed required background checks and basic training). It also states that “convicted” includes guilty pleas and similar outcomes. Agencies and officers must follow CJTC rules to get and keep certification.

Training deadlines; waiver for pre‑2023 limited‑authority

Beginning July 27, 2025, if you were first hired before January 1, 1990, you must finish basic training within 15 months unless CJTC extends it. If hired on or after January 1, 1990, you must start basic training within 6 months and complete it to keep your job. Volunteers and reserve officers are excluded. Limited‑authority officers hired before July 1, 2023 do not have to complete the basic academy to stay in their limited‑authority roles.

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Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • John Lovick

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Sharon Shewmake

    Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 146 • No: 0

House vote • 4/15/2025

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 97 • No: 0 • Other: 1

Senate vote • 2/12/2025

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 49 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Effective date 7/27/2025.

    5/19/2025Senate

  2. Chapter 349, 2025 Laws.

    5/19/2025Senate

  3. Governor signed.

    5/19/2025legislature

  4. Delivered to Governor.

    4/22/2025legislature

  5. Speaker signed.

    4/18/2025legislature

  6. President signed.

    4/18/2025legislature

  7. Third reading, passed; yeas, 97; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 1.

    4/15/2025Senate

  8. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    4/15/2025Senate

  9. Rules Committee relieved of further consideration. Placed on second reading.

    4/10/2025Senate

  10. Referred to Rules 2 Review.

    3/28/2025Senate

  11. CS - Majority; do pass.

    3/27/2025Senate

  12. CS - Executive action taken by committee.

    3/27/2025Senate

  13. First reading, referred to Community Safety.

    2/17/2025Senate

  14. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    2/12/2025Senate

  15. Third reading, passed; yeas, 49; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 0.

    2/12/2025Senate

  16. Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.

    2/5/2025Senate

  17. Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.

    1/24/2025Senate

  18. Minority; without recommendation.

    1/23/2025Senate

  19. LAW - Majority; do pass.

    1/23/2025Senate

  20. First reading, referred to Law & Justice.

    1/13/2025Senate

  21. Prefiled for introduction.

    1/10/2025Senate

Bill Text

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