Criminal Justice (Policing · Public Safety)

HB 1816 allows cities and counties with over 200,000 residents to create civilian crisis response teams that handle specific 911 calls instead of police. These teams can serve as the primary response for calls involving mental health crises, safety checks, or resource requests (like shelter or food), but only when no active violence or weapons are reported. The bill requires teams to undergo training in de-escalation and scene safety, and mandates consultation with health authorities to set qualifications and operating protocols. It designates these teams as a "third 911 responder" alongside police and fire, operating outside traditional law enforcement and fire response systems.

HB 1786 amends Washington state law to allow local governments to use tax increment financing (TIF) revenues for public safety facilities. Specifically, it adds "public safety facilities" (defined as police, fire, emergency medical, or similar services infrastructure) to the list of eligible public improvements under TIF programs. This change directly affects cities, counties, and other local governments using TIF to fund infrastructure projects, enabling them to allocate TIF revenues toward facilities like fire stations or police buildings. The bill modifies existing definitions in RCW 39.89.020 (section 8(a)(ix)) to include these facilities as allowable uses, without altering TIF revenue collection or distribution mechanisms.

HB 2015 establishes a new grant program to improve public safety by providing direct financial support to local and tribal law enforcement agencies. These grants are intended to help agencies with hiring, retaining, and training law enforcement officers, as well as peer counselors and behavioral health personnel for co-response teams. To qualify for funding, agencies must meet specific requirements, including implementing state policies on use of force and de-escalation, participating in mandated trainings, and demonstrating compliance with data collection standards. Grant funds can cover up to 75 percent of entry-level salaries and benefits for new officers and support costs for required officer training.