A Thurston County judge temporarily blocked parts of a new law that could force the removal of sheriffs for not meeting stricter eligibility standards.
THURSTON COUNTY, Wash. — A new controversial state law that tightens requirements for law enforcement leaders and allows the state to force the removal of sheriffs who fail to meet those standards has been partially blocked while it is challenged in court.
The bill was signed into law earlier this month and establishes stricter eligibility rules for sheriffs, police chiefs and town marshals, including mandatory background checks, a minimum age of 25 and at least five years of law enforcement experience.
A Thurston County Superior Court judge on Wednesday ruled to put the law on hold while the lawsuit plays out. Four eastern Washington sheriffs sued the state, stating the changes made in the law should be put before voters.
The state said it plans to appeal the decision.
A separate challenge from the state sheriff’s association is set to be heard Thursday in Thurston County.
The law has been controversial since it was introduced in the state legislature.
The law also requires that candidates have no felony or disqualifying misdemeanor convictions and must obtain and maintain peace officer certification.
It also gives the state’s Criminal Justice Training Commission expanded authority tied to that certification. The commission already had the power to decertify officers, but the new law now requires local jurisdictions to remove sheriffs and other law enforcement leaders from office if they lose certification or fail to meet eligibility requirements.
The legislation also makes broad changes to how law enforcement agencies operate. It requires comprehensive background investigations for candidates, including criminal history checks and reviews of prior misconduct, and mandates that certification be obtained within nine months of taking office.
Supporters said the change closes an accountability gap, while opponents argued the law undermines voters’ authority.
In addition, the law places strict limits on volunteers and youth cadets, barring them from enforcing laws, making arrests, using force or accessing police databases unless they are fully certified officers. Their roles are restricted to support functions such as administrative work, search and rescue and community outreach.
Most of the law was set to take effect April 30, with rules governing volunteers and cadets delayed until January 1, 2027.
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