WA sheriffs urge partial veto of bill setting new standards for their jobs
Washington sheriffs are pushing Gov. Bob Ferguson to veto parts of a controversial bill that would set new standards for them and could lead to removal from office.
In a letter this week, four sheriffs pointed to sections of Senate Bill 5974 they want excised when the Democratic governor takes action. They say the legislation threatens to override the will of the voters. Ferguson said he plans to meet with sheriffs to discuss their concerns.
The bill would require county sheriffs and police chiefs to meet heightened eligibility standards.
The criteria include having five years of full-time law enforcement experience, not having any felony or gross misdemeanor convictions, being at least 25 years old and not having done anything that would get state certification as a peace officer revoked.
https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/03/13/wa-sheriffs-urge-partial-veto-of-bill-setting-new-standards-for-their-jobs/