Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson has signed bill SB 5974, which tightens standards for law enforcement leaders. The law, taking effect April 30, aims to align requirements for rank-and-file officers and their chiefs, although the governor noted he has questions about the vacancy-notification process. The bill was passed by the state Legislature, where Democrats have held solid majorities in both chambers — the House and the Senate — in recent years. That balance creates a favorable environment for progressive police-reform initiatives, especially supported in urban counties, while also prompting pushback in more conservative and rural areas.
The most controversial provision of the new law ties a sheriff’s ability to remain in office directly to having an active police certification. If the Criminal Justice Training Commission strips a sheriff of that certification, the sheriff would automatically lose the post. Previously, state law did not contain such a clear-cut rule.
The law also establishes new basic qualification requirements for heads of police agencies. Candidates, whether elected or appointed, must have at least five years of law enforcement experience, be over 25 years old, and undergo a background check.
The Criminal Justice Training Commission is a state oversight body created in 1974. Its 21 members are appointed by the governor and include law enforcement representatives, tribal members, prosecutors and defense attorneys. The commission is responsible for training and certifying officers and has the authority to revoke their certifications. Decertification of high-ranking officials, such as sheriffs, remains relatively rare but is a growing phenomenon. Known precedents, beyond the case of the Lincoln County sheriff, include decertifying several sheriffs or senior officers for serious misconduct, such as improper use of force or ethical breaches, creating an important accountability tool.
The decertification process is lengthy and includes an investigation and the possibility of appeal. As of January 2026, complaints had been filed against 18 of the state’s 39 sheriffs. Police leaders are more frequently the subject of complaints because of their public role.
Cases of sheriffs being decertified are uncommon but have occurred. For example, in 2023 Lincoln County Sheriff Wade Magers was decertified after an investigation found he made false statements about driving his son while intoxicated. Magers opted to resign. In sparsely populated counties like Lincoln or Pacific, sheriffs often have long careers in local law enforcement, starting as patrol officers, and their experience is shaped by limited resources and close ties to a small community, which can make them more wary of state mandates.
One of the law’s staunchest critics is Pierce County Sheriff Keith Swank. He says Democrats plan to use the law to remove sheriffs they dislike for political reasons. Swank expects complaints against him could be reviewed by the commission within a year and says he is prepared to fight if his certification is threatened. His position reflects the concerns of many sheriffs, especially in politically mixed counties like Pierce, which combine urban areas (Tacoma) and a major military base. Sheriffs there often represent more conservative, public-safety-oriented views and see the new rules as a threat to their operational autonomy. Sheriffs from other large counties have also spoken out: while the King County (Seattle) sheriff generally supports such reforms, leaders from politically mixed counties like Snohomish or Spokane often take a more cautious or critical stance, similar to Swank’s.
Constitutional-law experts interviewed, however, say the law falls within the state Legislature’s authority. They point out that lawmakers have the power to set qualification requirements for law enforcement officers, including elected sheriffs.
For sitting sheriffs who do not meet the new requirements, the law includes a grandfathering exception. For example, Pacific County Sheriff Daniel Garcia was not a police officer before his election and does not have five years of service, but he will be able to keep his position thanks to an amendment for incumbent leaders.
Thus, the new law represents a significant change in regulating accountability for top police leadership in Washington, strengthening the role of the independent commission and formalizing professional-conduct consequences for elected sheriffs.
Based on: Ferguson signs bill that could oust decertified sheriffs. Here’s how it works