State lawmakers are set to vote on a proposal that would give the state more control over law enforcement officers. 

It’s a bill that started stirring up controversy on the very first day of the legislative session. In Washington, county sheriffs are elected. Typically, the candidates have some law enforcement experience. But it’s not technically required in order to run for office. 

“The change proposed here is that in addition, sheriffs undergo a background check, like all the deputies that will be serving under them,” said Rep. Beth Doglio, who represents the 22nd District. “As part of qualifying for candidacy and placement on the ballot, the criminal justice training commission would administer that background check.” 

House Bill 2027 would require all law enforcement officers to go through background checks, including a polygraph, commonly known as a lie-detector test. Advocates say it’s important that the state confirm that everybody with a badge is equally trustworthy. 

It’s important to note that current law requires sheriffs to complete academy training within 12 months of being elected. This bill, if passed into law, would require sheriffs to also undergo a background check in order to qualify for candidacy. The proposal also requires the same qualifications for police chiefs, reserve officers and town marshals. 

The Washington State Sheriff’s Association (WSSA) is taking a stand against the bill and said the state constitution puts the hiring and firing of county sheriffs into the hands of voters. The association said the proposal relies too much on the subjective judgements by the “Criminal Justice Training Commission” to determine of someone is qualified to be a sheriff. That letter was signed by the sheriffs of Kittitas, Admas, Franklin and Walla Walla Counties. 

“It was a complete surprise to us,” said James McMahan, who is the policy director for the WSSA. “To see this bill show up on a hearing scheduled in the intro sheets because we’ve yet to be approached to have a single conversation about this bill that involves law enforcement and more specifically our members. There are a whole slew of challenges – operational, legal and otherwise – not the least of which is the sheriff an employee of the county or do they hold an elected office?” 

Lawmakers in the House Community Safety, Justice and Re-Entry Committee allowed less than 20 minutes of public comment January 8. During the vote on January 18, the bill was included in an Executive Session, however, no action was taken.