Signed by Governor Jay Inslee

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that amends requirements for law enforcement potential impeachment disclosures.

Highlights:

• Requires that no later than 6 months after the effective date of this act, the Washington association of prosecuting attorneys, in consultation with the Washington state association of municipal attorneys, Washington association of sheriffs and police chiefs, Washington council of police and sheriffs, fraternal order of police, and Washington state patrol troopers association update its best practices policy addressing potential impeachment disclosures and subsequent case law (Sec. 1).

• Requires the aforementioned policy change provide guidance for the following, including (Sec. 1):

• The types of conduct that should be recognized as potentially exculpatory or potentially creating impeachment material;

• How information about an officer or officer conduct should be shared and maintained; and

• Under what circumstance an officer’s information or name may be removed from any list of potential impeachment disclosures.

• Requires that the Washington association of prosecuting attorney’s develop and maintain online training for potential impeachment disclosures consistent with its best practices policy no later than June 30, 2022 (Sec. 1).

• Requires a law enforcement agency to report the following information within 10 days of discovery to the prosecuting attorney of any jurisdiction in which the officer may testify as a witness (Sec. 1):

• Any act by the officer that may be potentially exculpatory to a criminal defendant; and

• Misconduct that the officer has engaged in that affects their credibility.

• Requires a law enforcement agency to inquire about any potential impeachment disclosure prior to the hiring of any peace officer with previous law enforcement experience (Sec. 1).

Full Bill Text