WashingtonSB 52242025-2026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Concerning officer certification definitions, processes, and commissioning.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

6 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 3 mixed.

Officer certification cases get panel review

Beginning July 27, 2025, an administrative law judge runs covered officer certification hearings and makes procedural rulings without voting. A five-member panel hears the case and makes the commission’s final administrative decision. Separate panels serve Washington peace officers, corrections officers, and tribal police officers. Hearings follow the state Administrative Procedure Act and use a more-likely-than-not evidence standard.

Officer applicants face deeper background checks

Beginning July 27, 2025, covered peace, reserve, and corrections officer applicants must complete the required background investigation. Covered transfers include moves between Washington agencies and between certified peace and corrections jobs within one agency. Checks cover national fingerprint records, decertification records, employment and discipline records, and prosecutors’ lists of officers with credibility problems. They also cover extremist ties, social media, citizenship or permanent-resident or DACA status, psychological exams, and polygraph or similar tests. Agencies can make only conditional offers until checks are complete and compliance is verified with the commission. Coverage includes corrections applicants offered jobs after July 1, 2021, and qualifying limited-authority peace officer applicants after July 1, 2023. An exception covers certification lapses after service breaks exceeding 24 consecutive months caused by military recall.

Officers must keep certification to work

Beginning July 27, 2025, Washington peace and corrections officers need certification or a documented exemption to hold covered jobs. Certification requires background checks, approved basic training, compliance with commission rules, and a commission-issued license. Officers must maintain certification as required. Reserve officers and Department of Corrections employees are excluded from this chapter’s definition of peace officer. That exclusion does not remove separate requirements for reserve or corrections officers.

Officer testing charges have a $400 cap

Beginning July 27, 2025, a Washington law enforcement agency may charge part of an applicant’s required testing fee. This applies when the person must take both a psychological exam and a polygraph or similar test. The charge cannot exceed $400 or the test’s actual cost, whichever is less. The agency may offer a payment plan when it determines the person does not readily have the means to pay.

Officers face certification lapses but can return

Beginning July 27, 2025, peace or corrections officer certification lapses after more than 24 consecutive months outside the relevant service. A break solely for pending direct review or appeal of a disciplinary discharge does not cause a lapse. Neither does a break solely for a work-related injury. Officers with lapsed certification may ask the commission to reinstate it.

Railroads can request limited police commissions

Beginning July 27, 2025, the training commission may commission railroad police at a railroad corporation’s request and revoke commissions. Each railroad division is limited to 25 commissioned officers. Before appointment, officers must complete prescribed or approved training and swear to uphold the laws and faithfully perform their duties. Railroads pay all training and compensation costs and are civilly liable for damage caused by their officers’ unlawful acts. Officers’ peace-officer authority is limited to protecting railroad property and preventing or arresting violations on or connected with that property.

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