Signed by Governor Jay Inslee

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that repeals non-lethal projectiles from the ban on police military equipment.

Highlights:

• Prohibits the acquisition or use of military equipment by law enforcement agencies (Sec. 1.1).

• Requires law enforcement agencies to return military-grade equipment to federal agencies, if applicable, or destroy it, by December 31, 2022 (Sec. 1.1).

• Requires law enforcement agencies to compile an inventory of military equipment in possession by November 1, 2021, which includes the following (Sec. 1.2a):

• Estimated usage of equipment in the prior year; and

• The purpose of the equipment whether for operations or public safety.

• Requires the inventory to be summarized and given to the governor’s office and state legislation by December 31, 2021 (Sec 1.2b).

• Specifies that prohibited weapons include explosives designed to injure or kill individuals, rifles of .50 caliber or greater, armed vehicles, rockets and missiles, directed energy systems, and electromagnetic weapons (Sec 1.3a-c).

• Authorizes law enforcement agencies to participate in federal military equipment surplus programs provided that acquired equipment is any of the following (Sec. 1.4):

• Medical supplies and healthcare equipment;

• Office supplies, school supplies, furniture, and equipment;

• Unarmed vehicles and vessels;

• Protective gear and weather protection;

• Warehousing and scientific equipment; 

• Public address systems; and

• Tasers.

Full Bill Text