A controversial bill that could allow the state to remove an elected sheriff moved closer to becoming law after passing the Washington House early Friday morning following nearly eight hours of debate.
State House Republicans announced the passage on X early Friday, saying Senate Bill 5974 passed the House after the lengthy debate. The bill would allow removal of an elected sheriff from office. Supporters say it would modernize decades-old standards for sheriffs, police chiefs, and town marshals across Washington and give a state board the power to remove an elected sheriff. Supporters said the changes would strengthen public trust.
Critics strongly disagreed, arguing the bill shifts power away from voters. After passing the House early Friday morning, the bill heads back to the Senate for concurrence. If approved there, it would go to Gov. Bob Ferguson for his signature.
Pierce County Sheriff Keith Swank, an outspoken critic of the bill, posted on X before passage, saying in part, “Sheriffs who dare push back get targeted. This is payback, not policy.” The measure represents one of the most contentious law enforcement debates in the Legislature this session, pitting concerns about accountability against questions of local control and voter authority.
The bill creates a mechanism for removing sheriffs through a state-level process rather than leaving removal authority entirely with voters through recall elections. Proponents argue the change provides necessary oversight for elected law enforcement officials who violate standards or abuse their office, while opponents contend it undermines the democratic principle of local elections.
