Washington 2023-2024 Regular Session

Washington House Bill HB1387

Introduced
1/17/23  
Refer
1/17/23  
Report Pass
2/16/23  
Refer
2/17/23  
Engrossed
3/3/23  
Refer
3/7/23  

Caption

Revised for 1st Substitute: Requiring the criminal justice training commission to establish a program.Original: Requiring the criminal justice training commission to establish a program to recruit and train a pool of applicants who may be employed by certain law enforcement agencies in the state.

Impact

The passage of HB 1387 is expected to have a significant impact on state laws regarding law enforcement recruitment and training protocols. By instituting a standardized program, the bill seeks to create a more efficient pathway for aspiring law enforcement officers. This could potentially lead to increased diversity within the police workforce and improve public trust in law enforcement agencies by ensuring that recruits are well-trained and suitably vetted before their employment. Additionally, the bill may help to address recruitment challenges faced by various law enforcement organizations statewide.

Summary

House Bill 1387 is aimed at enhancing the recruitment and training processes for law enforcement personnel within the state. The bill mandates the criminal justice training commission to establish a specific program designed to attract and prepare a pool of candidates eligible for employment by law enforcement agencies. This initiative reflects a growing concern over staffing shortages in policing and aims to ensure that law enforcement agencies can be more effective and responsive to community needs.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment surrounding HB 1387 appears to be positive, with widespread support from legislators across party lines. The unanimous vote (95-0) during the House 3rd Reading underscores a collective recognition of the need for better training and recruitment in law enforcement. Advocates view the bill as a crucial step towards modernizing law enforcement practices and enhancing public safety, while concerns about implementation and funding for the proposed program were less prominently expressed during discussions.

Contention

While there is significant support for HB 1387, potential points of contention could arise over the program's execution and funding. Stakeholders may debate how the program will be financed, whether through state funds or potential partnerships with local agencies. Moreover, there might be discussions regarding the scope of the training and recruitment processes mandated by the bill, particularly in terms of ensuring equity and accessibility for all candidates regardless of their background.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

WA HB1586

Requiring the criminal justice training commission to establish a work group and grant program related to vehicular pursuits.

WA SB5356

Concerning training provided by the criminal justice training commission.

WA LB1225

Appropriate funds to the Nebraska Commission on Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice

WA SB6130

Concerning human trafficking training for criminal justice personnel.

WA HB1896

Increasing local law enforcement officers by authorizing a local sales and use tax credited against the state portion to hire additional officers and increasing the number of basic law enforcement courses offered by the criminal justice training commission.

WA LB760

Provide for the Nebraska Commission on Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice to create a victim advocate grant program

WA HB1161

Establishing the veteran employability training and career advancement for reentry program.

WA HB2210

Establishing a wild horse holding and training program at a state corrections center.

WA HB1481

Permitting general authority peace officers certificated by the criminal justice training commission and employed on a full-time basis by the government of a federally recognized tribe to participate in the law enforcement officers' and firefighters' retirement system plan 2.

WA LB320

Require that hotels and similar public lodging establishments place posters relating to human trafficking in such establishments and provide for training on human trafficking to employees of such establishments

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.