Washington 2023-2024 Regular Session

Washington Senate Bill SB5682

Introduced
2/2/23  

Caption

Concerning policing costs driven by proximity to state hospitals.

Impact

If enacted, SB5682 would lead to a reassessment of how state and local governments allocate funds for policing expenses related to state hospitals. By potentially mandating that the state cover a portion of these costs, the bill would help relieve local budgets that often struggle under the weight of increased policing responsibilities. This change could result in more effective law enforcement in areas surrounding state institutions without placing an undue financial burden on local taxpayers, thus supporting the sustainability of community policing efforts.

Summary

SB5682 aims to address the costs of policing that are primarily driven by proximity to state hospitals. The bill acknowledges the financial burden that local law enforcement agencies face when they are required to manage incidents related to state hospitals, suggesting that these costs should be more equitably distributed between state and local governments. This legislation is positioned as a means to ensure that local resources are not overly strained by the special circumstances of policing near state facilities, potentially leading to enhanced public safety without infringing on local budgetary constraints.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB5682 generally leans positive among those advocating for more responsive fiscal strategies regarding law enforcement funding. Proponents view the bill as necessary for addressing long-standing issues related to unfunded mandates on local agencies. Critics, however, might express concerns that the approach does not fully resolve the underlying problems of funding disparities and may not provide a comprehensive solution to the complexities of policing in diverse environments, highlighting a need for more holistic reforms in law enforcement funding.

Contention

Notable points of contention regarding SB5682 include debates over the extent of state financial responsibility for policing costs and the potential implications for local governance. Some stakeholders fear that reallocating costs may inadvertently create conflicts between local and state priorities. Others argue that without a clear framework for how these expenses will be shared, the bill could lead to ambiguity in funding responsibilities, which may impact service delivery and public safety.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

WA SB5286

Concerning policing costs driven by proximity to state hospitals.

WA SB5514

Prohibiting drivers from making a right turn within proximity of certain facilities.

WA HB1582

Prohibiting drivers from making a right turn within proximity of certain facilities.

WA SB5103

Concerning payment to acute care hospitals for difficult to discharge medicaid patients.

WA HB2051

Concerning payment to acute care hospitals for difficult to discharge medicaid patients.

WA HB2348

Concerning county hospital funding.

WA HB2382

Concerning death benefits applicable to drivers of transportation network companies.

WA HB1493

Concerning impaired driving.

WA HB2295

Concerning hospital at-home services.

WA SB5236

Concerning hospital staffing standards.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.