This bill requires Washington law enforcement officers to wear visible identification (like a clearly displayed name) and not cover their faces during routine public interactions. It defines "facial covering" to exclude medical masks, helmets for bicycle safety, and clear face shields, but prohibits items like balaclavas or tactical masks. Exceptions allow face coverings during active undercover operations or when tactical teams use protective gear for safety. Officers who violate this during detentions could face civil lawsuits seeking damages or court-ordered remedies. The law applies to all police officers during public duties, not just emergency situations.
HB 2165 makes it a gross misdemeanor to intentionally create, possess, or display fake law enforcement items (like badges, vehicle decals, or insignia) that falsely identify someone as a sworn peace officer or reserve officer, or to misrepresent ordinary items as police property. It directly affects individuals or businesses selling or using fake police gear, such as costume shops or people posing as officers. Key exceptions include items clearly marked as honorary roles, historical displays, or protected artistic/satirical works (like parodies or educational materials). The law does not prohibit legitimate uses like historical reenactments or news coverage, and it specifies that the fake item must be displayed in a way that would reasonably mislead others.
HB 2521 establishes a centralized, automated firearms background check system in Washington State, requiring all firearm dealers to use this system for background checks before sales or transfers. The system must check against multiple databases (including state crime records, court systems, and health databases) and provide dealers with instant results via a web portal or phone, including unique identifiers for each check. It sets a $18 maximum fee for background checks (replacing the existing fee) and creates an appeal process for applicants denied due to errors. The bill directly affects firearm dealers (who must use the system) and firearm purchasers (whose backgrounds are checked), with the system mandated to be fully operational by July 1, 2025.
SB 6084 clarifies that intentionally voting more than once in the same election - whether in Washington state or across state lines on the same election date - is a felony offense. It directly affects voters who attempt to cast ballots in multiple jurisdictions on the same day, regardless of ballot content or office. The bill defines "same election" strictly by date, not by ballot issues, and specifies that voters may still cast ballots in both a general election and a special election held on the same day. This amendment corrects a court interpretation to prevent confusion ahead of the 2026 elections.
SB 5992 creates a state-funded account to support youth development programs for Washington youth aged 5-24, prioritizing underserved communities. The fund, financed by public and private contributions, will provide grants to nonprofits, tribal organizations, parks departments, and community partners to offer after-school programs, mentorship, career navigation, and culturally relevant activities. It requires equitable geographic distribution of funds and prioritizes youth facing systemic barriers, including those in foster care, experiencing homelessness, or from low-income backgrounds. Grants must be reported annually on program impacts, with tribal consultation required for projects affecting Native communities.
This bill expands eligibility for escorted leaves of absence for incarcerated individuals in Washington state. It allows incarcerated people to leave prison with supervision for specific reasons, including attending funerals or visiting seriously ill extended family (like grandchildren, aunts, uncles, or domestic partners), participating in athletic events, receiving medical care not available in prison, or joining nonviolent offender community service programs. The bill also requires reimbursement for leave costs from the incarcerated person or their family unless they are indigent, and prohibits leaving the state during these leaves. These changes apply to all state correctional facilities and modify existing state law to clarify permitted activities and financial responsibilities.
Washington's SB 5890 amends reckless driving laws to define driving more than 30 miles per hour over the posted speed limit as reckless driving. It requires drivers convicted of reckless driving (from speeding violations) with prior offenses to install ignition interlock devices on all vehicles they operate. The bill also mandates a 150-day probation period after license suspension, during which drivers must use a functioning intelligent speed assistance device, with violations treated as traffic infractions. The changes take effect September 1, 2026, and expire January 1, 2029.
SB 5268 amends state law concerning community custody terms for offenders. This bill mandates that individuals convicted of unlawful possession of a firearm will be sentenced to a period of community custody in addition to other penalties. Initially, this community custody term is set at one year. Beginning January 1, 2026, offenders sentenced to over one year imprisonment for unlawful firearm possession will receive an eighteen-month community custody term. This change directly impacts individuals convicted of these firearm offenses by adding a mandatory post-release supervision component to their sentence.
Senate Bill 5436 makes it unlawful to willfully or recklessly interfere with access to or from a place of religious worship, or to disrupt religious services in Washington state. Prohibited actions include physically obstructing passage, trespassing, repeatedly contacting the place of worship, or threatening harm to its attendees or property. A violation of this act is classified as a gross misdemeanor. The bill also allows individuals or religious organizations whose access or services are disrupted to seek civil damages and injunctive relief to prevent further interference.
Senate Bill 5109 increases the fee collected when a deed of trust, a common real estate document, is recorded. The bill raises this fee from one dollar to five dollars, directly affecting those who record such documents. Funds collected, minus a small portion for county administration, are deposited into the mortgage lending fraud prosecution account. These funds are specifically designated to support criminal prosecution of fraudulent activities within the mortgage lending process. Additionally, the bill removes the previous expiration date, making both the fee and the prosecution account permanent.
