WashingtonSB 53562025-2026 Regular SessionSenate

Concerning training provided by the criminal justice training commission.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Police officers must repeat violence response training

Beginning July 1, 2026, patrol officers must complete sexual violence training within one year of patrol assignment. They must repeat it at least every three years; all peace officers must complete gender-based violence training at least every three years. The commission must develop separate courses when money is specifically appropriated, with victim resources and information about community advocates. Agencies can deliver lessons in parts over time, and the courses must be adaptable to multimedia formats. Limited-authority agencies whose powers exclude investigating sexual assault or gender-based violence are exempt, but the State Parks and Recreation Commission is not.

Specialized training expands for investigators and prosecutors

Beginning July 1, 2026, the commission must provide ongoing, intensive training when money is specifically appropriated for it. Investigator training covers sexual assault and other gender-based violence involving adults, including college Title IX investigators and their top supervisors. The commission must work with a special resource prosecutor on training for prosecutors handling sexual assault against adults and minors. Professional groups and trauma experts help align investigator and prosecutor training, including how professionals interview and interact with victims. Prosecutor training must support continuing legal education credits and run at least once each calendar year. Varied locations or broadly accessible delivery must serve small prosecution offices and rural areas.

Training covers testimony options for minors

Beginning July 1, 2026, annual sexual assault training must explain a court-approved testimony option for people under 18. Courts may allow them to testify in a separate room, outside the presence of the defendant and jury. The training’s age reference changes from under 14 to under 18. This provision updates training about the court option rather than creating a new household benefit.

Annual sexual assault training carries fees

Beginning July 1, 2026, Washington’s Criminal Justice Training Commission must offer annual, coordinated training on sexual assault cases. It serves prosecutors, defense attorneys, law enforcement, victim advocates, and college investigators handling Title IX cases. Participant fees must cover program costs, and training must reach varied locations, including rural areas. Professional groups and trauma experts help shape research-based lessons, with practice and instructor feedback. Training must center victims’ needs, limit trauma and repeated interviews, support thorough and fair investigations, and address special population needs. Lessons also cover sharing forensic results in active and cold cases, keeping records, retrieving data, and documenting interviews.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Tina Orwall
Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

Bob Hasegawa
Democratic • Senate
Claire Wilson
Democratic • Senate
T'wina Nobles
Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 144 • No: 0

House vote • 4/11/2025

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 95 • No: 0 • Other: 3

Senate vote • 3/4/2025