A bold Washington state bill that aimed to expand public safety roles to include noncitizens has officially stalled in Olympia.
Senate Bill 5068 (SB 5068) would have allowed individuals who are legally authorized to work in the U.S.—including DACA recipients, green card holders, and some visa holders—to apply for jobs like police officers, firefighters, and prosecuting attorneys. But despite backing from law enforcement groups and immigration advocates, the bill failed to pass the House before the legislative deadline, rendering it inactive for 2025.
The intent behind SB 5068 was straightforward: help Washington address critical staffing shortages in law enforcement and public safety by broadening who can apply for these positions.
Eligible noncitizens under the bill would have included:
Lawful permanent residents (green card holders)
DACA recipients
Certain visa holders with federal work authorization
These individuals could have joined the ranks of:
- Police and sheriff’s departments
- Fire departments
- Wildlife enforcement
- Prosecutor’s offices
Supporters emphasized that these individuals already contribute to the community, pay taxes, and in many cases, have lived in the U.S. for most of their lives.
Backed by the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs (WASPC), the bill was seen as a way to modernize hiring standards while promoting diversity in public service.
“Legal work authorization should be enough to serve the communities these individuals already call home,” one supporter told local media. “This is about building trust, filling jobs, and reflecting the people we protect.”
Despite strong arguments, SB 5068 faced opposition—primarily from lawmakers and residents concerned about noncitizens enforcing U.S. laws.
Critics argued that such authority should remain reserved for U.S. citizens and expressed concerns about public perception and accountability.
Without enough support to move forward, the bill was shelved, at least for this session. It could, however, be reintroduced in 2026.
While SB 5068 has stalled, the debate is far from over. Supporters vow to continue pushing for policies that reflect Washington’s diverse population and address real staffing shortages in public safety agencies.
In a state known for progressive reform, this conversation isn’t likely to end anytime soon
