100M plan for police hiring gets greenlight from Washington House

In a significant legislative move, the Washington state House has passed House Bill 2015, which proposes $100 million in grants to bolster local police staffing. This decision aligns with Governor Bob Ferguson's insistence on funding for new officers, as Washington is currently ranked last in police staffing per capita. The bill further introduces a mechanism for local governments to impose a 0. 1% sales tax for criminal justice expenses without requiring voter approval. This aspect has drawn mixed reactions, with some lawmakers questioning whether adding more officers is the most effective way to enhance public safety.

The legislation stipulates that 25% of officers must complete crisis intervention training and outlines other criteria for accessing the funds. Notably, it removes a previous requirement for local governments to implement the new sales tax to qualify for grants. The bill's passage could lead to conflicts with a Senate proposal that offers the same grant amount but does not include the sales tax provision. Ultimately, this legislative action underscores the ongoing debate over the best strategies for addressing crime and public safety in Washington state.