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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)

Became Law

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Attorney General financial-crime investigators, limited powers

Beginning June 11, 2026, the Attorney General designates some investigators as limited authority peace officers. They can investigate economic and financial crimes. They cannot detain or arrest anyone, and they do not carry guns. They may serve business-records warrants only by electronic service after a judge approves the warrant; they cannot serve such warrants in person. This law does not change any other agency's criminal jurisdiction. It defines an investigator as an Attorney General employee who investigates suspected economic or financial crimes, excluding staff listed in RCW 74.67.010.

Stricter training and hiring rules for investigators

Beginning June 11, 2026, designated investigators must meet state training and certification rules in RCW 43.101, including criminal background checks. The Attorney General cannot hire anyone as a limited authority investigator if their record meets the standards for denial, suspension, or revocation under RCW 43.101.105.

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

Yes: 54 • No: 33 • Other: 3

House vote • 3/11/2026

Final Passage as Amended by the Senate on Reconsideration

Yes: 54 • No: 41 • 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. President signed.

    3/11/2026legislature

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

    3/11/2026House

  7. House concurred in Senate amendments.

    3/11/2026House

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

    3/11/2026House

  9. Vote on final passage will be reconsidered.

    3/11/2026House

  10. Speaker 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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