How Democrats’ police reform bills made communities less safe
In the 2021 legislative session, majority party Democrats passed several police reform bills. Some of these measures took away important tools used by law enforcement to de-escalate situations, caused confusion on what level of force could be used when responding to someone in a mental health crisis, and limited vehicular pursuits of suspects. Republicans opposed House Bill 1310 and House Bill 1054 and offered several amendments that were rejected by Democrats. You can watch House floor debate highlights on these measures here (House Bill 1310) and here (House Bill 1054).
2021 legislative session
House Republicans believe police officers were already held to a very high standard, but they should not be held to an impossible one. A vast majority of police officers are hard-working, dedicated and honorable professionals. And they put their lives on the line every day to keep our communities safe. If a police officer does not act in way consistent with law enforcement expectations, he or she should be held accountable.
Even before House Bill 1310 and House Bill 1054 went into effect on July 25, 2021, it was clear they would make communities less safe. The media has done a great job of covering the real-life consequences of these disastrous policies. You can find these stories by clicking on any of the red tabs below.
2022 legislative session
With Republicans offering real solutions and delivering critical votes, Democrats managed to fixed some of the problems mentioned above in the 2022 legislative session. But not all of them. One of the major disappointments and storylines of the 2022 legislative session is the Democrats’ failure to pass Senate Bill 5919 and restore some of the authority for police officers to engage in vehicular pursuits when there is reasonable suspicion. House Republicans voted for Senate Bill 5919 and offered a stronger measure, House Bill 1788, as an alternative solution. Democrats chose to do nothing. The status quo will continue to embolden criminals and result in more crimes committed.
As crime surges in many communities, Washington state ranks last in the nation in officers per capita. House Republicans introduced a 2022 supplemental operating budget framework focused on Safety, Affordability, Families, and the Economy (SAFE Washington Budget). The proposal would have funded police officer signing and retention bonuses, body cameras, and additional basic law enforcement training classes. We understand that good police officers will leave the profession, and that good people will not pursue law enforcement as a career option, when bad policies are passed and implemented.
The Legislature needs to focus on real solutions that prioritize public safety, support law enforcement, prevent crime, and help victims. With that in mind, Republicans introduced the Safe Washington Plan in the 2022 legislative session.
House Republican legislative priority: Public Safety
Strengthening communities by making public safety a priority and supporting effective community policing will continue to be legislative priorities for House Republicans.
Overview
Learn about the Democrats’ police reform legislation and its impact.
House Bill 1310
Concerning permissible uses of force by law enforcement and correctional officers.
House Bill 1054
Establishing requirements for tactics and equipment used by peace officers.
Real-Life Outcomes
How the bills have prevented first responders from keeping their communities safe.
House Bill 1054 takes away necessary and imperative tools police officers use to keep themselves, and the communities they serve, safe. The bill removes many of the tools police officers rely on to de-escalate situations and avoid the necessity to use deadly force. It prohibits police officers from using chokeholds and neck restraints, and certain types of equipment. It also restricts the use of tear gas, police dogs and instances in which police officers may be involved in vehicular pursuits. The legislation passed 55-42 in the state House of Representatives. Signed by governor.
“I want to be a ‘yes’ on this bill. I can’t be today because of the pieces that are still left over that I feel will harm public safety. Government’s duty, our duty, is to keep the public safe.”
—Gina Mosbrucker, ranking Republican on the House Public Safety Committee
What first responders are saying
Learn more
House Bill 1310 establishes standards for when law enforcement can use physical or deadly force, and requires the Attorney General and Criminal Justice Training Commission (CJTC) to develop model policies and training on use of force and de-escalation tactics consistent with standards provided in the legislation. The bill fails to acknowledge the realities that police officers face every day and fails to incorporate a “reasonable officer” standard that accounts for these realities. The legislation passed 55-42 in the state House of Representatives. Signed by governor.
