A $100 million appropriation from the state’s general fund would support the program
Carleen Johnson
The Center Square Washington
The new Republican leader on the state Senate’s Law & Justice Committee has pre-filed a bipartisan bill to dramatically increase the number of law-enforcement officers in Washington communities.
“Crime is a growing problem in our state,” said Jeff Holy, R-Cheney, in a press release emailed to The Center Square. “Washington ranks among the worst states in several categories, including murders, auto theft and retail theft. A key reason is that we also rank 51st nationally for the number of law enforcement officers per capita.”
Holy’s proposal, Senate Bill 5060, would have the state Criminal Justice Training Commission develop and implement a grant program to help local and tribal governments hire law-enforcement officers. A $100 million appropriation from the state’s general fund would support the program.
Steve Strachan, executive director of the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs, told The Center Square it’s encouraging to see Democrats support the bill. Sen. Manka Dhingra, D-Seattle, chair of the Law & Justice Committee, signed on as a co-sponsor.
“When you combine that with the fact the governor-elect has not backed off his pledge to make public safety central to his pledge, that’s really positive,” Strachan said, referencing state Attorney General Bob Ferguson’s pledge to hire more officers and incentivize law enforcement hiring through higher pay and signing bonuses
Strachan said he knows law enforcement budget requests will have competition.
“Requests for law enforcement staffing is going to be running into a potentially difficult budget year, so that’s really the big question – is how will the Legislature and the soon-to-be governor manage that?” he asked.
“As a retired police officer, I know we need more officers in our communities and on our roads,” said Holy, who serves the 6th Legislative District in eastern Washington.
Next year’s 105-day legislative session is scheduled to start Jan. 13 and end April 27.
This report was first published by The Center Square Washington.
Also read:
- 18th District lawmakers to host town hall meeting on Saturday, March 28, in Battle Ground
Stephanie McClintock and John Ley will meet with Battle Ground constituents to answer questions, review the new income tax, and discuss the effects of the $80 billion budget. - POLL: After hearing state leaders describe the I-5 Bridge as vulnerable in an earthquake, what is your reaction?
State and local leaders describe the I-5 Bridge as structurally at risk but recommend drivers continue crossing it while complex replacement plans unfold. - Opinion: Historical state income tax and another massive operating budget highlight the end of the 2026 legislative session
Rep. John Ley details the passage of a state income tax, an expanding $80 billion budget, and new Clark County infrastructure funding following the 2026 legislative session. - VIDEO: Legal challenges certain as Gov. Ferguson prepares to sign new income tax
Senate Minority Leader John Braun and other legislators expect legal challenges and initiative efforts to follow Gov. Ferguson’s signature on Washington’s new income tax law affecting high earners and businesses. - Opinion: Fighting for transparency in Washington government
A recent court decision allows Washington lawmakers broad new secrecy over internal records, as advocates report rising obstacles to government transparency and public engagement.
