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WashingtonHB 21562025-2026 Regular SessionHouse

Concerning the authority of investigators of the attorney general's office.

Sponsored By: Edwin Obras (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Washington financial investigators gain limited authority

Beginning June 11, 2026, Washington’s attorney general can designate qualifying investigator positions as limited-authority peace officers. Eligible employees investigate suspected economic or financial crimes; personnel identified in RCW 74.67.010 are excluded. Designated investigators cannot detain or arrest anyone or carry weapons. They can serve business search warrants only electronically after a judicial officer approves them, not physically for business records. They must meet all applicable state officer requirements, including training and criminal background checks. The attorney general cannot employ anyone whose history or conduct requires denial, suspension, or loss of officer certification. The law leaves other law enforcement agencies’ investigative authority and criminal jurisdiction unchanged.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Edwin Obras

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Brianna Thomas

    Democratic • House

  • Janice Zahn

    Democratic • House

  • Julia Reed

    Democratic • House

  • Kristine Reeves

    Democratic • House

  • Mari Leavitt

    Democratic • House

  • Mary Fosse

    Democratic • House

  • Mia Gregerson

    Democratic • House

  • My-Linh Thai

    Democratic • House

  • Nicole Macri

    Democratic • House

  • Osman Salahuddin

    Democratic • House

  • Roger Goodman

    Democratic • House

  • Timm Ormsby

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 191 • No: 136

House vote • 3/11/2026

Final Passage as Amended by the Senate on Reconsideration

Yes: 54 • No: 41 • Other: 3

House vote • 3/11/2026

Final Passage as Amended by the Senate

Yes: 54 • No: 33 • Other: 3

Senate vote • 3/5/2026

3rd Reading & Final Passage as Amended by the Senate

Yes: 29 • No: 19 • Other: 1

House vote • 2/16/2026

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 54 • No: 43 • Other: 1

Actions Timeline

  1. Effective date 6/11/2026.

    3/30/2026House

  2. Chapter 242, 2026 Laws.

    3/30/2026House

  3. Governor signed.

    3/30/2026legislature

  4. Delivered to Governor.

    3/12/2026legislature

  5. Passed final passage; yeas, 54; nays, 33; absent, 8; excused, 3.

    3/11/2026House

  6. House concurred in Senate amendments.

    3/11/2026House

  7. Passed final passage; yeas, 54; nays, 41; absent, 0; excused, 3.

    3/11/2026House

  8. Vote on final passage will be reconsidered.

    3/11/2026House

  9. Speaker signed.

    3/11/2026legislature

  10. President signed.

    3/11/2026legislature

  11. Third reading, passed; yeas, 29; nays, 19; absent, 0; excused, 1.

    3/5/2026House

  12. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    3/5/2026House

  13. Committee amendment(s) adopted with no other amendments.

    3/5/2026House

  14. Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.

    3/3/2026House

  15. Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.

    2/25/2026House

  16. Minority; do not pass.

    2/24/2026House

  17. LAW - Majority; do pass with amendment(s).

    2/24/2026House

  18. First reading, referred to Law & Justice.

    2/18/2026House

  19. Third reading, passed; yeas, 54; nays, 43; absent, 0; excused, 1.

    2/16/2026House

  20. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    2/16/2026House

  21. Floor amendment(s) adopted.

    2/16/2026House

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

    2/10/2026House

  23. Referred to Rules 2 Review.

    1/23/2026House

  24. CS - Executive action taken by committee.

    1/22/2026House

  25. Minority; do not pass.

    1/22/2026House

Bill Text

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